World Heart Day: 230k Deaths/Year; Quitting Smoking Cuts Risk

In Italy, about 230 thousand people die each year from cardiovascular causes such as heart attack, heart failure and stroke (AVC), and many of these events could be prevented with simple preventive measures, according to ANSA.

Meta description: In Italy, 230 thousand deaths/year from heart attack, heart failure, and stroke; heart disease is the leading cause. Quitting smoking for 1 year reduces risk by 50%.

Key data on cardiovascular diseases and 230k deaths

According to ANSA, cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of death in Italy, with around 230 thousand deaths per year attributed to heart attack, heart failure and stroke. These deaths occur frequently before age 70, affecting a economically active age group and with significant social impact.

Experts cited by the coverage attribute the decline in mortality to increasingly effective medications and targeted therapies, as well as improvements in diagnosis and acute treatment. Still, the burden of disease remains high and prevention is identified as a central element to reduce this number.

Prevention and the impact of smoking on cardiovascular disease

ANSA highlights that many cases of cardiovascular disease are avoidable with primary and secondary prevention interventions — lifestyle changes, blood pressure control, diabetes treatment, a balanced diet, and regular physical activity. Among modifiable risk factors, smoking takes a leading role.

quitting smoking significantly reduces cardiovascular risk: according to the data released, quitting smoking for one year already lowers the risk of major cardiovascular events by about 50%. This rapid reduction in risk is explained by improved endothelial function, reduced vascular inflammation, and progressive normalization of coagulation markers after stopping tobacco use.

Clinical recommendations emphasize that smoking cessation should be combined with other measures — cholesterol control, hypertension management, and weight management — to maximize prevention of heart attacks and strokes.

Actions and occasion: Giornata Mondiale del Cuore and hospital services

On the occasion of Giornata Mondiale del Cuore, observed on September 29, cardiologists and Italian health organizations reinforced preventive recommendations. According to ANSA, about 150 hospitals with the Bollino Rosa from Fondazione Onda opened services and informational initiatives for the public, offering screenings, risk-factor information, and guidance on quitting smoking.

The campaign includes educational campaigns on warning signs of heart attack and stroke, counseling on smoking cessation, and promotion of healthy lifestyles. The presence of the Bollino Rosa — a label linked to quality and attention to women's health — also highlights attention to differences in presentation and cardiovascular risk between men and women.

Relevance for Brazilians and descendants of Italians

The information released in Italy has direct relevance for Brazilians of Italian origin or residents in the country. The prevention message and, in particular, the assertion that quitting smoking for one year halves cardiovascular risk, is applicable to anyone with risk factors, regardless of nationality.

For those seeking news about life and health in Italy, this topic aligns with other community interests, such as access to health services and local information — see more in Vida na Itália and in our Notícias da Itália. The emphasis on prevention also intersects with well-being and social rights discussed in topics such as Cidadania Italiana, as residents and descendants monitor health services and public campaigns.

What to do in practice

• Assess risk factors with a clinician or cardiologist: blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose, and smoking history.
• Quit smoking: seek cessation programs, nicotine replacement therapies, or specialized medical support.
• Adopt healthy habits: Mediterranean diet, regular physical activity, and reduced alcohol consumption.
• Seek local services: on occasions like Giornata Mondiale del Cuore, health units and hospitals may offer free screenings and information — check offerings at hospitals with Bollino Rosa from Fondazione Onda.

The reduction of cardiovascular risk is rapid after stopping tobacco use, but the maximum benefit comes from the continued combination of preventive measures. According to ANSA coverage, campaigns and services aimed at the public seek to translate scientific knowledge into practical daily actions.

Source: ANSA