ROMA (ITALPRESS) – After a heart attack, stroke or peripheral arteriopathy, about 1 patient on 3 does not properly follow controls and therapies, increasing the risk of new cardiovascular events. Most reduces the frequency of visits compared to recommended by the doctor, others interrupt controls, while a part tends to subpoena only in the presence of symptoms. This is what emerges from the investigation, promoted by Novartis and carried out by IQVIA on a sample of 309 Italians with hypercolesterolemia that had a previous cardiovascular event. At the base of this removal from treatment paths there is no only cause: alongside those who tend to underestimate the residual risk (23%), there emerges a significant share of patients (27%) aware but emotionally fragile, for which anxiety, fear and sense of loss after the acute event and, in some cases difficult to organize, make it difficult to maintain a constant relationship with the doctor. It is precisely to these patients who speaks the new edition of “From Quore to Cuore”, the awareness campaign of Novartis, realized with the patronage of the Italian Association Cardiaci (AISC) and the Italian Foundation for the ETS heart and dedicated to secondary cardiovascular prevention, which in 2026 chooses an unpublished language, to remember that the cardiovascular risk should not be underestimated, even in the absence of symptoms. And it does so through the spontaneous gaze of children and the symbolic value they attach to the heart, relaunching a clear message to those who had a heart attack, a stroke or is at high cardiovascular risk: regularly check the LDL cholesterol levels and maintain a constant follow-up with their cardiologist is fundamental to reduce the risk of new cardiovascular events. The project was born with MUBA – Children’s Museum Milan and with the artist Chiara Morra, in a series of experiential workshops that involved children and families for a reflection on the symbolic meaning of the heart. From the ideas of the little ones have formed five artistic works, which in the coming months will be hosted in the Italian cardiologies in a widespread exhibition, bringing the authentic gaze of the children where adults need more attention and care. The initiative is part of the broadest vision of Novartis in the cardiovascular field, oriented not only to the development of innovative therapies, but also to the strengthening of a culture of prevention and attention to its health, to help address cardiovascular diseases, the first cause of death in Italy and the world. More than 150 participants – children in the 6-11 years and their families – made possible the birth of the widespread exhibition: “In the workshops the girls and children shared with great spontaneity the symbolic value of the heart, which for them embraces together affectivity, imagination and body experience. Through the game and experimentation authentic readings have emerged, which give back a meaning of the heart together emotional and concrete – comments the Turinese artist Chiara Morra – These values are the protagonists of the exhibition and launch an authentic message, which I hope will draw attention to the importance of taking care of the health of the heart, as an act of responsibility and love towards oneself and towards those who are next to us.” After a heart attack or stroke the probability that a second cardiovascular event occurs is significantly higher than the general population, as Massimo Grimaldi explains, ANMCO President (National Association of Hospitaller Cardiologists) and Director of the Cardiology of the Hospital F. Miulli di Acquaviva delle Fonti (Bari): “After a heart attack or stroke, cardiovascular risk remains high over time, even when symptoms seem under control. It is precisely at this stage that many patients tend to move awayrsthe treatment paths, reducing controls and follow-up. Secondary prevention only works if it is continuous and follows targeted paths: return regularly from cardiologist and obtain a significant and stable reduction in the time of LDL cholesterol levels, is essential to reduce the risk of new events in line with the parameters recommended by the International Guidelines”. LDL cholesterol is therefore a risk factor not to be underestimated, yet the survey shows that about 30% of respondents do not know the level of cholesterol to achieve to reduce their cardiovascular risk. “The new ACC/AHA/Multisociety 2026 Guidelines recommend a LDLC target of less than 55 mg/dL for most patients in secondary prevention at very high risk and this goal must be maintained consistently over time – explains Gianfranco Sinagra, President of the SIC (Italian Society of Cardiology), Professor at the University of Trieste and Director of Cardiology of the Sanit University Company Today the data shows that thanks to secondary prevention, cardiovascular mortality could be significantly reduced, saving thousands of lives each year. Initiatives such as the Daily to Heart campaign go right in this direction.” “From Quore to Cuore” is a real ecosystem of tools and information channels. From the Facebook page @ListentailTuoBattitoITA, to the free newsletter that every month reaches subscribers with news, insights and practical advice, the campaign invites those who have experienced a cardiovascular event to check with their cardiologist if the risk is really under control. A call to action that aims to bring care and attention to your health. “The awareness campaign from Quore to Cuore is a project of great importance for Novartis, because for over 40 years we work with commitment and passion in the cardiovascular field, so that no heart stops beating too soon. – comments Chiara Gnocchi, Communication & Advocacy Head of Novartis Italy – The 2026 edition, through the authentic messages of children on the value of the heart, invites patients who have already had a keen cardiovascular event to change perspective and rediscover the importance of keeping the cardiovascular risk under control. We hope that this project will make a concrete contribution, underlining that the heart is important and taking care of it makes the difference.”At this link: https://daquoreacuore.lp.page/da-quore-a-cuore-2026 you can subscribe for free to the newsletter “From Quore to Cuore” and receive information and advice on secondary cardiovascular prevention.
– Novartis press office photos –
(ITALPRESS).
