RESUMEN
Cardiovascular diseases are the primary cause of death and represent a public health problem both in terms of mortality and morbidity. Since many risk factors for cardiovascular disease can be corrected with active interventions, we proposed a structured model operating in ways similar to cancer screening: active recall of healthy subjects, offers to intervene in selected subjects. In the experimental model adopted by the Local Health Unit n. 17--Este and the Local Health Unit n. 7--Pieve di Soligo, after pre-evaluation/exclusion by the general practitioner subjects aged between 45 and 59 years were recalled and evaluated by a trained health assistant using anthropometric measurements, screening blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, and evaluation of lifestyle. If their values were abnormal, the health assistant invited them to participate, and counseled them on some initiatives to make changes. The proposed model was demonstrated to be a good model both because using previously tested structured models, it revealed an elevated number of subjects with hypertension and hyperglycemia that were before undetected and because it placed up front strategic actions of the Prevention Departments. In addition, in follow-up, improvements in lifestyle were seen in subjects who had been counseled to alter them.