Italy launches cardiovascular prevention initiatives for World Heart Day

In observance of World Heart Day, various Italian healthcare institutions and organizations are launching initiatives to promote cardiovascular prevention, with a specific focus on women's health and cardiomyopathies. Cardiovascular diseases account for 33% of female deaths in Italy, a figure often underestimated due to gender-specific symptoms such as nausea, fatigue, and jaw or shoulder pain, which differ from traditional male-centric symptoms.

Synlab has launched the ‘Cuore di donna’ campaign to address these biological and clinical specificities. Simultaneously, several hospitals are participating in the (H) Open Week promoted by Fondazione Onda ETS. Key local initiatives include:

• Vigevano Civil Hospital: Hosting meetings and visits focused on cardiomyopathy prevention. • San Carlo Hospital (Potenza): Offering free cardiological exams and echocardiograms for women aged 18 to 50 with cardiomyopathy. • Perugia Hospital: Providing free cardiological consultations and hosting the ‘Perugia Heart Failure 2026’ scientific congress.

These efforts aim to improve early diagnosis of cardiomyopathies, which can often remain asymptomatic or present with subtle signs like shortness of breath and palpitations.