[Occupational cardiology: a new frontier of cardiovascular prevention].

Abstract

Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of death and disability in industrialized countries. The workplace represents an ideal setting for primary prevention, allowing for the early identification of individuals at cardiovascular risk who are often not reached by traditional screening pathways. In this context, Occupational Cardiology has emerged as a new branch of preventive cardiology, focused on population health within occupational settings. The aim of this review article is to describe the role, fields of application, and clinical, organizational, and economic potential of Occupational Cardiology, with particular reference to Corporate Wellness programs and high-risk occupational groups. Corporate Wellness programs encompass clinical and instrumental screenings, promotion of physical activity, health education, stress management, and the utilization of digital health technologies. The "Formula Benessere" project implemented at Ferrari has demonstrated significant benefits in terms of health outcomes, participation rates, and economic return. In parallel, numerous professional categories, such as firefighters, military personnel, pilots, and high-altitude workers, are exposed to specific cardiovascular risk factors that require tailored, innovative, and standardized assessment protocols. Personalized strategies enable better risk stratification and more effective management of cardiovascular health in the workplace. Occupational Cardiology represents a new opportunity for large-scale cardiovascular prevention at the community level. Its broader implementation at the national level, the development of dedicated clinical guidelines, and the integration of Digital Health tools are key elements in establishing this discipline as a new frontier in preventive cardiology.