In an era where medical science is making constant progress and life expectancy is increasing, the real challenge is not just living longer, but doing so with a good quality of life. Cardiovascular diseases—still the leading cause of death in Italy and other industrialized countries—are a silent enemy: often underestimated, yet largely preventable.
Prevention remains the most effective weapon—not only through regular medical checkups, but also through daily, conscious choices. Small actions, such as monitoring blood pressure, can make a big difference.
Here are three concrete steps we can take every day to care for our hearts.
1. Regular specialist checkups
Scheduling regular preventive medical visits is essential, and the first step is to consult your trusted physician, who can assess when it’s time for a cardiology exam.
One major opportunity in this area is the CVrisk-IT project, one of the largest cardiovascular prevention initiatives in Italy. Coordinated by the IRCCS Cardiology Network and funded by the Ministry of Health, the project involves 17 “hub” centers and around 30 “spoke” facilities spread across the country.
Its ambitious goal is to involve 30,000 citizens between the ages of 40 and 80—with no prior diagnosis of heart disease or diabetes—to monitor major risk factors and develop personalized prevention strategies.
Supporting the project is MyCardioSpace, an innovative digital platform that helps participants collect and easily track their clinical data.
2. Healthy lifestyle: good habits that make a difference
Heart health is built every day through consistent, mindful behavior. A healthy lifestyle forms the foundation of cardiovascular prevention and rests on four key pillars:
- Regular physical activity, even moderate, such as brisk walking at least three times a week
- A balanced diet, inspired by the Mediterranean model, rich in vegetables, nuts, and extra virgin olive oil
- Weight and sleep management, avoiding a sedentary lifestyle and ensuring at least 7 hours of sleep per night
- Stress management, through relaxation techniques or professional support when needed
These simple yet effective habits help keep the body in balance and significantly reduce cardiovascular risk.
3. Self-monitoring: listening to your body
Prevention also means learning to listen to yourself. Regularly measuring blood pressure—even when no symptoms are present—is one of the most effective ways to detect early warning signs.
According to the WHO, hypertension is the leading cause of cardiovascular death worldwide, and over half of those affected are unaware of their condition. This is why home blood pressure self-monitoring is a simple act with high preventive value.
Today, the blood pressure monitor—or sphygmomanometer—is accessible to everyone. The latest models are digital, automatic, and easy to use. A practical example is the Logiko Digit line by Moretti SpA, offering a range of devices equipped with:
- A large, easy-to-read display
- Internal memory to store readings
- Automatic arrhythmia detection
- Average value calculation
- Voice assistant in Italian—especially helpful for the elderly or visually impaired (available only in model DM592P)
These tools guide users step-by-step, making self-monitoring simple and reliable for all.
A simple gesture, A powerful protection
Having a reliable digital sphygmomanometer and using it regularly is a small commitment that can bring enormous benefits. Each measurement provides a snapshot of our health—a moment of awareness that can help prevent serious complications.
Because taking care of the heart is not just a health choice: it’s an act of responsibility toward ourselves and our future.