Our Health Screening Programs

Heart

Heart Health Program

Objectives

Our Heart Health Program is a comprehensive assessment of cardiac function and morphology designed to accurately evaluate the heart’s health. The program is recommended for individuals with family-related and behavioral factors that may increase their cardiovascular risk.

Target

Individuals with risk factors for developing heart disease, including:

high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, smoking, and a family history of heart disease
individuals with unhealthy lifestyle (physical inactivity, obesity, poor diet, smoking, and alcohol consumption)

Menopausal women: the menopausal transition is associated with a significant increase in the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Individuals with symptoms such as chest pain, breathlessness at rest or exertion, fainting, dizziness or palpitation.
Healthy individuals: to assess the health and risk profile of their cardiovascular system.

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The Program

The program includes an initial BASIC assessment. Based on the results, this may be supplemented with additional levels of evaluation (ADVANCED and COMPREHENSIVE).

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BASIC

BLOOD TESTS: performed to obtain information about the individual’s general and cardiovascular health, also in the absence of specific symptoms. The tests measure the parameters that affect cardiovascular health: complete blood count, blood glucose, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, total cholesterol, homocysteine, C-reactive protein, NT-proBNP, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, sodium, potassium, and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c).

CARDIOLOGY CONSULT: clinical assessment aimed at identifying signs and symptoms of cardiac and/or cardiovascular abnormalities. It includes a comprehensive medical history and the measurement of parameters such as blood pressure, heart rate, and anthropometric data. The patient is also assessed for the presence of edema. The heart is auscultated to detect murmurs that may indicate valvular dysfunction and/or rhythm abnormalities suggestive of arrhythmias. Chest auscultation is performed to identify any signs of cardiovascular overload or respiratory conditions that may affect heart function.

ELECTROCARDIOGRAM: diagnostic test that records and graphically displays the heart’s electrical activity. By monitoring the electrical events that precede and follow the contraction and relaxation of the heart, the test can detect the possible presence of heart disease or a heart rhythm disorder (arrhythmia).

ECHOCARDIOGRAM: visualizes the anatomy and function of the heart and provides information on cardiac contractility, heart valve morphology, and blood flow within the heart chambers. This painless, non-invasive procedure can detect cardiac abnormalities at a very early stage, supplementing the information obtained from the cardiology consultation and ECG and supporting appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

To book the program, please access our booking portal and select HEART HEALTH PROGRAM under the CARDIOLOGY specialty.

For information about our ADVANCED and COMPREHENSIVE programs, please refer to this document.

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Programma Cuore Completo
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Lung
Lung Screening Program

Brain Health
BRAIN HEALTH ASSESSMENT FOR PREVENTION AND EARLY DIAGNOSIS OF COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT

OBJECTIVES

In recent years, the increasing prevalence of neurological disorders, a major cause of disability, mortality, and health care costs, has been recognized as a public health priority. Following the publication in 2022 of the Intersectoral Global Action Plan on Epilepsy and Other Neurological Disorders (IGAP) by the World Health Organization, several national and international neurological scientific societies (Italian Society of Neurology, European Academy of Neurology, American Academy of Neurology, and World Federation of Neurology) have developed neurological prevention programs for the general population across all age groups.

Target

Within this context, Brain Health Services have been proposed as centers providing care for healthy individuals who may have an elevated risk profile for cognitive impairment, particularly:

Individuals with subjective cognitive decline who perceive a progressive decline in cognitive functions (memory, orientation, attention, reasoning, and learning), but whose performance on neuropsychological testing is normal.

Individuals concerned about developing cognitive decline in the future, who do not perceive subjective cognitive decline but are concerned about developing a neurological disorder because they have, or have had, an affected family member or for other personal reasons, such as a history of head trauma.

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The Program

The IRCCS ISMETT Brain Health Service outpatient clinic, dedicated to brain health and neurological prevention, is intended for these individuals. Participants will undergo a preliminary neurological assessment lasting approximately 45 minutes, which will include:

A thorough review of the patient’s medical history, including family history, past and recent medical history, and medication history;

Particular attention to screening for all risk factors for cognitive impairment, especially the 14 factors identified by the Lancet Commission [3]

A neurological examination that also includes cognitive screening.

If no neurological abnormalities are identified, the assessment will conclude with a written report and a meeting with the patient, including:

An estimation of the risk of developing neurological decline in the future, rather than a theoretical measurement of brain health, based on the most recent scientific literature [4];

Recommendations on risk-reduction strategies and ways to strengthen brain resilience through multi-domain activities.

Should the neurologist identify signs of early cognitive impairment, more first-level diagnostic investigations will be requested:

Laboratory tests;

Brain imaging examsbaseline brain MRI or, only for patients with contraindications to MRI, a baseline brain CT scan);

A more comprehensive neuropsychological assessment.

These tests can be performed at IRCCS ISMETT, ensuring a multidisciplinary discussion of each case. After these assessments and the subsequent multidisciplinary evaluation a diagnosis will be made. If an early neurological condition is identified, the patient will be referred to the appropriate specialist outpatient clinics for ongoing pharmacological treatment and care.

When deemed appropriate, the patient will be referred to lifestyle modification programs, particularly:

A nutritional consultation with a personalized diet plan;

A physiotherapy assessment with neuromotor rehabilitation activities;

A cardiology assessment for the evaluation, monitoring, and treatment of vascular risk factors;

Cognitive training activities.

Our neurology team has extensive experience in screening for and interpreting early cognitive impairment in patients with non-neurological diseases. The team is actively involved in preventing and managing vascular risk factors and promoting healthier lifestyles.

The best investment in your future independence is to take care of your brain health, as cognitive abilities and physical fitness are the main determinants of an individual’s autonomy later in life.

To book the program, please access our booking portal and select INITIAL NEUROLOGICAL CONSULT (BRAIN HEALTH) under the NEUROLOGY specialty.

For further information contact brainhealth@ismett.edu

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Pancreas
Pancreas program

OBJECTIVES

Early diagnosis: to detect precancerous lesions or, if already developed, the carcinoma in its early stages, enabling timely removal or treatment and reducing the mortality rate.

Prevention: lifestyle changes aimed at reducing the risk of developing pancreatic cancer.

Target

Individuals with a family history of pancreatic cancer. Associated risk factors are smoking, alcohol, obesity and overweight and/or an unhealthy lifestyle.

Program

Laboratory tests: complete blood count, transaminases, alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), total and direct bilirubin, C-reactive protein, amylase/lipase, CEA, CA 19-9, blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), total and LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, vitamin D, retinol-binding protein, quantitative fecal elastase, prothrombin activity, prealbumin, total protein with protein electrophoresis, and Helicobacter pylori stool antigen testing.

Specialist pancreatic consult

Nutritional assessment

MRI of the upper abdomen, with and without contrast medium
CT scan of the upper abdomen without contrast medium

Final assessment

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Colon
COLORECTAL CANCER SCREENING PROGRAM

Colorectal carcinoma is one of the most common cancers in Italy. It affects both men and women and is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death.

This cancer develops from adenomatous polyps, which are benign tumors arising from the proliferation of cells in the intestinal lining. These polyps generally take 7 to 15 years to become malignant. Screening plays a crucial role during this period, enabling diagnosis and treatment removing the polyps before they develop into malignant tumors.

Although the disease primarily affects individuals over the age of 50, the number of cases among adults aged 20 to 40 is increasing, and tumors in this age group tend to be more aggressive.

The exact causes of this increase are not yet fully understood. However, factors such as obesity, an unbalanced diet, and a sedentary lifestyle may play a significant role. A timely diagnosis and changes to the lifestyle can have a positive impact on the quality of life.

Objectives

Colorectal cancer screening is an important early diagnosis strategy to identify precancerous lesions or, if cancer is already present, detecting it at an early stage. The objective is to intervene promptly removing the lesions or providing appropriate treatment in order to reduce the mortality rate associated with this disease.

Target

Individuals with blood in their stools

The presence of blood in the stools or a positive fecal occult blood test, identified through a regional screening program or through a test performed independently, is a specific indication for enrollment in the program.

Individuals with suspicious symptoms

Changes in bowel habits, including constipation, diarrhea, or recently developed or persistent changes in bowel movements

Weight loss without an identifiable cause

Abdominal pain

A feeling of incomplete bowel emptying after a bowel movement

Anemia associated with low blood iron levels

Individuals with risk factors

Unhealthy lifestyle, including physical inactivity, obesity, poor diet, smoking, and alcohol consumption, and age over 50

A family history of colorectal cancer, particularly in parents or siblings

A personal history of chronic inflammatory bowel disease

A personal or family history of intestinal polyps

A family history of malignant tumors of the breast, uterus, or ovaries

The program is also available to healthy individuals over the age of 50 who wish to undergo specific tests for targeted early detection.

The Program

LABORATORY TEST
Blood glucose, complete blood count, ALT, AST, alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), total and direct/indirect bilirubin, PT, PTT, serum iron, amylase, lipase, and CEA.

COLONOSCOPY:a diagnostic test involving the insertion of a flexible tube (colonoscope) through the anus to examine the lining of the lower gastrointestinal tract, including the rectum and colon. Before the procedure, the bowel must be appropriately cleansed using a bowel preparation. During the colonoscopy, any polyp, an abnormal growth of the intestinal lining, can be removed, and small tissue samples collected for a biopsy without causing pain. This is done using small forceps inserted through the colonoscope. The test is performed under deep sedation, with an anesthesiologist present throughout the procedure to ensure the patient’s comfort. After the procedure, the patient meets with the endoscopist to discuss the findings. If biopsies or polypectomies have been performed, a follow-up is scheduled to review the histology results.

GENETIC COUNSELING IS AVAILABLE IN CASES OF FAMILIAL CANCER SYNDROMES: although cancer is not generally considered an inherited disease, certain genetic variants that increase the risk of developing specific types of cancer can be passed down from one or both parents. Multiple cases of cancer within the same family may indicate an inherited predisposition. In these situations, in addition to a colonoscopy, the screening may include a genetic counseling. This is consult with a medical genetics specialist who assesses the patient’s personal and family history and, if necessary, orders specific genetic tests to determine the risk of developing or passing on the condition.

CONSULTATION WITH A NUTRITION SPECIALIST IS ALSO AVAILABLE: according to scientific evidence gathered to date by several international organizations, including the World Cancer Research Fund, the incidence of colorectal cancer could be reduced by half with a healthy diet, regular physical activity, and weight management. Obesity, particularly abdominal obesity, is an important risk factor because it creates a state of systemic inflammation that affects the permeability and health of the intestinal lining. A balanced diet rich in phytochemicals and fiber can help regulate the balance of bacteria in the intestine, known as the gut microbiota. The microbiota acts as a protective barrier against pathogens and plays an important role in preventing colorectal cancer and its recurrence.

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