On October 25, 2021, from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, needy people passing through Saint Peter’s Square could receive free cardiology consultations in a mobile medical center, thanks to the initiative “Streets of the Heart, a Path to Prevention.”

The initiative was organized in collaboration with the Apostolic Almonry, the Holy See’ charitable office, and doctors of the San Carlo di Nancy Roman Hospital. According to “Vatican News,” a Mobile Clinic was set up next to the Vatican’s colonnade where free cardiology and general medical consultations took place.

“The Streets of the Heart” is an itinerant project that began last Thursday. Its objective is to sensitize on good practices of daily life and the importance of periodic health examinations.

The doctors who carried out the free consultations to evaluate the health of the heart used blood pressure measurement, weight and waist measurement, lipid profile assessment, blood glucose measurement, and heart rhythm control.

At the end of the exam, there was a final consultation with the doctor. The initiative, sponsored by the Italian Foundation for the Heart, was recommended for people over the age of 40. Access will be organized to limit crowds and reservations were not required. However, covid vaccination or a negative covid test were required for participation

Cardiovascular diseases represent the main cause of death in Italy, equal to 35.8% of all deaths, with a higher incidence among the female population: 38.8% for women compared to 32.5% for males.

Cardiovascular diseases are the main cause of death in Italy, equalling 35.8% of all deaths, with the greater incidence among women: 38.8% of women as opposed to 32.5% of men. This percentage increases significantly if a person lives on the street and has different addictions.

Translation by Virginia M. Forrester