title: [Usefulness of databases of general practitioners: the study of chronic cardiovascular diseases in a health district of Turin, Italy].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of chronic cardiovascular diseases in the territory of a health district in Turin (Italy) to achieve better management of healthcare services according to healthcare needs.
  
  
  METHODS
  In order to assess healthcare needs, we surveyed the prevalence of five cardiovascular chronic diseases in the general population, using data from the general practitioners of one health district.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Eighty-six general practitioners participated in the study, collecting data regarding 87 885 attendees, for the year 2010. Among men, the following prevalence rates were estimated: 2% prior myocardial infarction, 2.4% other forms of chronic ischemic heart disease, 2% cardiac arrhythmias, 0.4% heart failure, 0.9% late effects of cerebrovascular disease. Prevalence rates were lower among women, except for dysrhythmias and heart failure, and were increasing with age. Prevalence rates were higher than those previously reported by the Italian Cardiovascular Epidemiological Observatory for northwestern regions. In addition, differences in disease distribution were observed among patients when comparing male doctors and female doctors.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our findings show several critical issues in primary care, suggesting the need for improving the healthcare delivery system within the health district according to local care needs.
authors.affiliation: S.C. Assistenza Sanitaria Territoriale - ASL TOI, Torino.
authors.forename: Mara
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Fanì
authors.forename: Paolo
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Corsetti
authors.forename: Renzo
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Barengo
authors.forename: Giuseppe
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Curci
authors.forename: Luisella
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Miglietta
authors.forename: Anna Maria
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Pavanello
authors.forename: Guido
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Vibi
authors.forename: Marco
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Beccalli
authors.forename: Maria
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Calì
authors.forename: Silvio
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Giglio
authors.forename: Sandro
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Mainardi
authors.forename: Giovanni
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Midana
authors.forename: Moreno
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Nencioni
authors.forename: Marco
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Dalmasso
authors.forename: Elena
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Farina
authors.forename: Carlo
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Mamo
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D016208:Databases, Factual; D005260:Female; D058006:General Practice; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged