C8318 - STILI DI VITA NELLA PREVENZIONE CARDIOVASCOLARE

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, students will:

• understand the main pathophysiological mechanisms underlying cardiovascular diseases and the influence of lifestyle on their development and prevention, providing the scientific foundations required for professional practice as nutritionists;
• understand how the different components of lifestyle influence the development of vascular diseases and their complications, as well as their prevention;
• be able to assess sex- and gender-related differences in the development of atherosclerosis and in cardiovascular prevention;
• understand the specific features of cardiometabolic syndromes, ischaemic heart disease, arterial hypertension, and heart failure.

Course contents

Prerequisites

Basic knowledge of physiology, biochemistry, human nutrition, and general pathophysiology is recommended to successfully follow the course.

Cardiovascular and cardiometabolic risk

• Definition of cardiovascular and cardiometabolic risk.
• Main pathophysiological mechanisms involved in the development of atherosclerosis.
• Endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, and progression of vascular damage.
• Interaction between traditional, metabolic, and behavioural risk factors.
• General principles of cardiovascular risk assessment and stratification.

Sex- and gender-related differences

• Sex- and gender-related differences in the development and progression of atherosclerosis.
• Differences in the prevalence, clinical presentation, and consequences of the main cardiovascular diseases.
• Implications of sex- and gender-related differences for cardiovascular prevention.

Cardiovascular risk in women

• Female-specific cardiovascular risk factors.
• Cardiovascular risk in young women.
• Cardiovascular risk assessment before pregnancy.
• Pregnancy and adverse pregnancy outcomes as early indicators of future cardiovascular risk.
• Changes in cardiovascular risk during the menopausal transition and after menopause.

Lifestyle and cardiovascular prevention

• Dietary patterns and cardiovascular risk.
• Physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and cardiovascular health.
• Obesity, body-fat distribution, and cardiometabolic risk.
• Sleep duration and quality.
• Exposure to tobacco and nicotine.
• Control of blood glucose, blood pressure, and dyslipidaemia.
• Interaction between diet, physical activity, sleep, and metabolic risk factors.

Life’s Essential 8

The American Heart Association’s Life’s Essential 8 framework will be presented, with particular reference to its eight components:

• healthy diet;
• physical activity;
• avoidance of nicotine exposure;
• healthy sleep;
• healthy body weight;
• blood lipid control;
• blood glucose control;
• blood pressure control.

This framework will be used as a reference for the overall assessment of cardiovascular health and for the identification of appropriate preventive interventions.

Personalised cardiovascular prevention

• Differences between women and men in the response to lifestyle interventions.
• Strategies to improve adherence to healthy behaviours.
• Personalised approaches to promoting a healthy diet, regular physical activity, weight management, and control of the main cardiovascular risk factors.
• Application of the acquired knowledge to examples and cases relevant to professional practice in nutrition.

Journal club

Students will read, present, and discuss scientific articles concerning nutrition, lifestyle, sex- and gender-related differences, and cardiovascular prevention.

The journal club is intended to develop the following skills:

• identification and selection of reliable scientific sources;
• critical appraisal of scientific literature;
• interpretation of study methods and results;
• teamwork;
• scientific presentation and discussion.

Readings/Bibliography

Materials required for examination preparation

Examination preparation will be based on:

• lecture slides and teaching materials provided by the lecturer;
• scientific articles, consensus documents, and guidelines indicated during the course;
• articles selected for the journal club;
• summaries, case studies, and additional materials made available by the lecturer.

All required materials will be available on the University of Bologna Virtuale platform. No additional compulsory textbook is required.

Recommended readings

Additional scientific articles, guidelines, and documents for further study may be recommended during the course and uploaded to Virtuale. These materials are optional and do not replace the materials indicated as necessary for examination preparation.

Teaching methods

The course includes:

• lectures supported by slides, diagrams, and scientific materials;
• interactive discussion of cases and practical examples;
• self-assessment questions and group discussion;
• journal club activities carried out individually or in small groups;
• presentation and critical discussion of scientific articles.

Interactive activities and the journal club are intended to support the application of theoretical knowledge, the ability to establish connections between different cardiovascular risk factors, and the development of communication, teamwork, and critical appraisal skills.

Assessment methods

The final assessment consists of a written multiple-choice examination.

The standard examination consists of 32 multiple-choice questions, each with one correct answer. It is possible that an open question will be included in the test.The total time available is 60 minutes.

The examination assesses:

• knowledge of the pathophysiological mechanisms addressed during the course;
• understanding of the relationship between lifestyle and cardiovascular risk;
• ability to recognise cardiovascular and cardiometabolic risk factors;
• understanding of sex- and gender-related differences;
• ability to apply the acquired knowledge to basic prevention- and nutrition-related situations.

One point is awarded for each correct answer. No points are awarded or deducted for incorrect or unanswered questions. The total score is converted proportionally into a mark out of 30. The examination is passed with a minimum mark of 18/30. A completely correct examination may be awarded 30/30 with honours.

Students who actively and satisfactorily participate in the journal club, including preparation and group discussion of the assigned scientific article, may take a reduced examination consisting of 16 multiple-choice questions. These questions will assess the same course contents and learning outcomes as the standard examination.

The journal club does not directly contribute marks to the final grade. It only determines a 50% reduction in the number of questions included in the final written examination.

No graded mid-term examinations are planned.

Books, notes, mobile phones, electronic devices, and other supporting materials are not permitted during the examination.

With regard to assessment, the use of generative Artificial Intelligence is prohibited. Any use constitutes a breach of academic integrity.

Students with learning disabilities or disabilities

Students with specific learning disabilities or temporary or permanent disabilities are advised to contact the relevant University office in good time:

https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students

The office may propose appropriate accommodations. These must be submitted to the lecturer for approval at least 15 days before the examination date. The lecturer will assess their suitability in relation to the learning outcomes of the course.

Teaching tools

The following teaching tools will be used:

• lecture slides and summary diagrams;
• scientific articles and consensus documents;
• national and international guidelines;
• case studies and self-assessment questions;
• audiovisual materials, when appropriate;
• the Virtuale platform for sharing teaching materials and course-related communications.

Generative Artificial Intelligence may be used during individual study only as a supporting tool for summarisation, reformulation, and self-assessment. AI-generated information must always be critically verified against the official course materials and the scientific sources indicated by the lecturer.

Office hours

See the website of Anna Vittoria Mattioli