The Growing Burden of Obesity on European Hearts

europe faces a meaningful health challenge as over 60% of its population grapples with overweight or obesity. This alarming statistic isn’t just about weight; it’s a critical cardiovascular risk factor demanding immediate attention.While lifestyle adjustments are crucial, a comprehensive healthcare strategy, including specialized diagnostic and therapeutic pathways, is paramount.

The connection between obesity and heart disease is undeniable. Consider these statistics:

• Approximately 41% of individuals already diagnosed with heart conditions are also overweight (BMI > 27).
• A further 20% of heart patients are classified as obese (BMI > 30).
• National scientific societies estimate that roughly 400,000 Italians alone are simultaneously battling obesity and heart failure.

obesity’s Direct Impact on Cardiovascular Diseases

The data paints a stark picture of how obesity exacerbates various cardiovascular ailments:

• The risk of atrial fibrillation is nearly 50% higher in obese individuals compared to those with a healthy weight.
• Obesity increases the risk of heart attack and stroke by a staggering 64%.
• Obese individuals face a 30% increased risk of developing heart failure.

Regional Insights: Piedmont and Italy

Focusing on Piedmont, Italy, surveillance data from 2022-2023 reveals that 29.5% of adults are overweight, and 9.3% are obese. This translates to an estimated 320,000 obese adults within the region. Nationally, Istat data from 2021 indicates that 11.5% of Italian adults are obese, with a higher prevalence among men. This equates to approximately 4 million obese adults across Italy.

The consequences are dire.Piedmont records roughly 10,000 cases of myocardial infarction annually. Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in the region, accounting for approximately 17,000 deaths each year. Across Italy, there are about 120,000 new cases of acute myocardial infarction annually.

A Call for Integrated Therapeutic Pathways

Experts emphasize that while obesity significantly elevates cardiovascular risk and mortality, its management has historically received less attention than other modifiable risk factors. However, the emergence of new anti-obesity medications offers a promising avenue for intervention.

Today, with the new drugs against obesity, we have tools available with enormous potential, which must however be inserted within dedicated therapeutic paths for the prevention of cardiovascular adverse events in the overweight and obese population and to avoid recurrence in the many overweight patients who have already had a heart attack or a heart disease and which are at very high risk.

These medications must be integrated into carefully designed therapeutic pathways to prevent cardiovascular events in at-risk populations and to avoid recurrence in patients with pre-existing heart conditions.

Innovative Treatment Approaches: Semaglutide and Tirzepatide

To combat cardiovascular adverse events in obese patients, several medical centers are pioneering diagnostic-therapeutic pathways that emphasize collaboration with clinical dieticians and the strategic use of drug therapy. These pathways currently utilize two key medications:

• Semaglutide: Initially used as an antidiabetic drug, semaglutide is now available in a specific formulation for obesity treatment in Italy.
• Tirzepatide: Available in Italy since October 2024, with new formulations introduced in January 2025, tirzepatide is poised to become another crucial tool in the fight against obesity.

Looking Ahead: Widespread implementation of Cardiologic PDTA on Obesity

The widespread adoption of cardiological diagnostic-therapeutic pathways (PDTA) focused on obesity represents a crucial step forward in addressing this growing health crisis. By integrating these pathways into standard medical practice, healthcare professionals can more effectively manage obesity and mitigate its devastating impact on cardiovascular health.

Combating Cardiovascular Risk in Obese Patients: A National Registry initiative

the upcoming Change in Cardiology 2025 congress will spotlight the critical link between obesity and cardiovascular diseases. Discussions will explore the potential creation of a National register of Obese patients at Cardiovascular Risk. This registry aims to provide a comprehensive overview of patient treatment strategies, clinical outcomes, and overall management of this growing health concern. The establishment of such a registry could revolutionize how we understand and address the cardiovascular risks associated with obesity on a national scale.

Currently, obesity affects a significant portion of the population.According to the World Health Organization, global obesity has nearly tripled as 1975. In 2016,more than 1.9 billion adults were overweight, and of these, over 650 million were obese. This alarming trend underscores the urgent need for proactive measures, such as the proposed national registry, to mitigate the associated cardiovascular risks.

Change in cardiology 2025: A Global Gathering of Experts

The Change in Cardiology 2025 congress, Piedmont’s premier cardiology event, is set to convene experts from around the globe at the Lingotto Congress Center in Turin from April 10th to 12th. This year’s event promises to be a pivotal platform for sharing cutting-edge research and innovative approaches in cardiology.

The Convergence of Medicine and Engineering: Revolutionizing Cardiac Care

A key focus of the congress is the groundbreaking collaboration with the Polytechnic of Turin, fostering a powerful synergy between medicine and Bioengineering, especially in the realm of cardiology. This partnership leverages artificial intelligence to drive advancements in research and advancement, providing cardiologists with access to sophisticated therapeutic tools and life-saving devices.

Bioengineering provides cardiologists with advanced therapeutic tools, such as life-saving devices, which allow you to treat and save patients.

This collaboration is exemplified by the active participation of bioengineers in live case discussions, ensuring the optimal application and monitoring of advanced medical devices. The integration of engineering expertise directly into clinical practice is transforming the landscape of cardiac care.

Enhanced Collaboration: Bioengineers at the Forefront

This year’s congress will further strengthen the alliance between cardiologists and bioengineers. Bioengineers will have unprecedented opportunities to engage directly with professionals in interventional cardiology suites. Dedicated sessions led by faculty and researchers from the Polytechnic of Turin will delve into the latest advancements and developments in bioengineering.

The established synergy between cardiologists and bioengineers is evident during device implantation procedures, where engineers are present to ensure optimal technical functionality and provide guidance to cardiologists. This collaborative approach ensures the effective and safe utilization of cutting-edge medical technologies.

Advancements in Hemodynamics and Electrophysiology: Minimally Invasive Solutions

Among the diverse topics covered at Change in Cardiology 2025 are the latest techniques in Hemodynamics and electrophysiology. These advancements are revolutionizing the treatment of cardiac patients,aligning with international scientific trends that emphasize minimally invasive procedures. Specifically, the congress will highlight the ability to replace or repair cardiac valves percutaneously, eliminating the need for traditional surgery and general anesthesia.

Live Case Presentations: A Global Showcase of Expertise

The three-day congress will feature live cases presented from leading invasive cardiology centers, including the Mauritian Hospital of turin, the hospital of Rivoli, the Maggiore Hospital of Novara, and hospitals in Massa, Brescia, Genoa and Ancona. This global showcase will provide attendees with invaluable insights into the latest techniques and best practices in interventional cardiology.