Prevalence of 'borderline' values of cardiovascular risk factors in the clinical practice of general medicine in Italy: results of the BORDERLINE study

Introduction: The prevalence of patients with 'borderline' levels of cardiovascular risk factors has been rarely investigated, being often reported in studies evaluating abnormal values of these parameters. The BORDERLINE study represents a pilot experience to primarily identify the prevalence of 'high-normal' conditions, such as pre-hypertension, lipid and glucose levels in the upper range of normality in the setting of general practice in Italy. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of patients with 'borderline' values of cardiovascular risk factors in Italy. Methods: Involved physicians were asked to evaluate the first 20 outpatients, consecutively seen in June 2009. …