Our story

ABC Study is a research project started by a group of health professionals operating in the Italian Hospitals of Adria (A), Bassano (B), and Conegliano (C) in 1992. The entire research group pursued one specific aim – to investigate the long-term effects of heart disease on patients and gain a more in-depth knowledge on its consequences on the long-term.

The research was initially developed by a voluntary group of doctors of the above-mentioned hospitals, who were in turn supported by the University of Padua. The entire group believed it was necessary to define a methodology to follow the patients on the long-term – a study to investigate new factors, indicators and values associated to heart disease to be used in the future to possibly recognize and prevent cardiac events.

Above all, one contribution is fundamental from the very beginning: Prof. Palatini's advice to study the presence of albumin in the patients' urinary excretions. Before that moment, this aspect was never researched in association with heart disease and proves to be illuminating, while also leading to the first national scientific publication and the first international presentation (follow this link to read the paper).

Throughout the years, the Association continued its researches and pointed out relevant markers and aspects related to heart disease and sudden death, while following up on patients on the long term. This is a specifically defining aspect that makes the research relevant to citizens, as an in-depth analysis of the causes of mortality can give us a better risk evaluation and therefore, targeted prevention measures.

Since 2015, the Association is also supported by the Veneto Region, which recognizes the importance of the work carried out by the ABC Study team. Moreover, the project has been actively supported by the local health agencies ULSS2, ULSS5, and ULSS7, which promoted the medical unit participation to research projects for almost 30 years.

For an extensive chronology please visit Research Milestones, where you will find out more about the Foundation and the Association's research over time.