B9537 - INFLUENZA DELLO STILE DI VITA SULLE MALATTIE CARDIOVASCOLARI E CARDIOMETABOLICHE

Learning outcomes

Knowledge of the pathophysiological mechanisms and the influence of lifestyle on the development, prevention and therapy of cardiovascular and cardiometabolic diseases. The aim is to acquire knowledge on the influence of the different lifestyle components (diet, physical activity, obesity, quality of sleep, blood sugar control, blood pressure and dyslipidemia) on the development of vascular pathologies, derived pathologies, and their prevention. Gender differences in the development of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular prevention will be addressed. With particular reference to cardio-metabolic syndromes, ischemic heart disease, arterial hypertension, and heart failure. The course also includes a series of theoretical lessons relating to new personalized approaches to promote correct lifestyles with a view to preventing chronic non-communicable diseases.

Course contents

Prerequisites

Basic knowledge of human anatomy, physiology, exercise physiology, biochemistry, and general principles of physical activity is recommended.

Cardiovascular and cardiometabolic risk

• Definition of cardiovascular and cardiometabolic risk.
• Main mechanisms involved in the development of atherosclerosis.
• Endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, insulin resistance, and vascular damage.
• Traditional and lifestyle-related cardiovascular risk factors.
• Interaction between physical inactivity, obesity, metabolic alterations, and cardiovascular disease.
• General principles of cardiovascular risk assessment before participation in physical activity.

Lifestyle and cardiovascular health

The course will examine the influence of the following factors on cardiovascular and cardiometabolic health:

• diet and dietary patterns;
• physical activity and structured exercise;
• sedentary behaviour;
• overweight, obesity, and body composition;
• sleep duration and quality;
• blood glucose control;
• blood pressure;
• dyslipidaemia;
• tobacco and nicotine exposure.

Particular attention will be paid to the combined effects of these factors and to the role of exercise in reducing cardiovascular and metabolic risk.

Life’s Essential 8

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

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

The framework will be used to introduce the concept of overall cardiovascular health and to identify modifiable targets for lifestyle interventions.

Physical activity and cardiovascular prevention

• Effects of regular physical activity on the cardiovascular system.
• Effects of aerobic exercise and resistance exercise.
• Reduction of sedentary time.
• General principles of exercise frequency, intensity, duration, and type.
• Physical activity in primary and secondary cardiovascular prevention.
• Benefits of exercise for blood pressure, lipid profile, body composition, glucose metabolism, and functional capacity.
• Adherence to physical activity and strategies for reducing barriers to exercise.
• Recognition of situations requiring medical assessment before starting or modifying an exercise programme.
• Role and responsibilities of exercise professionals within a multidisciplinary team.

Sex- and gender-related differences

• Sex- and gender-related differences in the development and progression of atherosclerosis.
• Differences in cardiovascular risk factors between women and men.
• Differences in participation in physical activity and barriers to exercise.
• Sex-related differences in physiological responses and adaptations to exercise.
• Implications for cardiovascular prevention and the promotion of active lifestyles.

Cardiovascular prevention in women

• Female-specific cardiovascular risk factors.
• Cardiovascular risk in young women.
• Cardiovascular health before pregnancy.
• Pregnancy as a potential window for cardiovascular prevention.
• Adverse pregnancy outcomes as indicators of future cardiovascular and metabolic risk.
• Menopause, body composition, physical activity, and cardiovascular risk.
• Promotion of active lifestyles across the female life course.

Physical activity during pregnancy

• Main physiological adaptations to pregnancy.
• Benefits of regular physical activity during uncomplicated pregnancy.
• General recommendations concerning exercise frequency, intensity, duration, and type.
• Aerobic activity, resistance exercise, mobility, and reduction of sedentary behaviour.
• Role of exercise in weight management and metabolic health during pregnancy.
• Warning signs and conditions requiring exercise modification, interruption, or medical evaluation.
• Importance of cooperation between exercise professionals and healthcare providers.

This section will focus on the general principles of safe physical activity rather than on the clinical management of pregnancy complications.

Diabetes and exercise

• Basic concepts of type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
• Diabetes as a cardiovascular risk factor.
• Effects of exercise on glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity.
• Benefits of aerobic exercise, resistance training, and combined programmes.
• Importance of regular physical activity and reduced sedentary behaviour.
• General principles for adapting exercise to people with diabetes.
• Blood glucose monitoring in relation to physical activity.
• Recognition and prevention of exercise-related hypoglycaemia and hyperglycaemia.
• Importance of hydration, footwear, foot care, and environmental conditions.
• Situations requiring medical evaluation or supervision.

The course will not address the prescription or modification of pharmacological treatment, but will provide the knowledge required to collaborate safely with healthcare professionals.

Personalised lifestyle and exercise interventions

• Individual differences in cardiovascular and metabolic risk.
• Adaptation of physical activity according to age, sex, functional capacity, health status, and previous exercise experience.
• Identification of barriers and facilitators to an active lifestyle.
• Strategies to improve motivation, adherence, and long-term behavioural change.
• Promotion of physical activity for the prevention of chronic non-communicable diseases.
• Application of the acquired knowledge to practical examples and case discussions.

Journal club

Students will read, present, and discuss selected scientific articles concerning:

• physical activity and cardiovascular health;
• sedentary behaviour;
• exercise and diabetes;
• obesity and body composition;
• physical activity during pregnancy;
• sex- and gender-related differences;
• lifestyle and prevention of chronic non-communicable diseases.

The journal club is intended to develop the ability to:

• identify reliable scientific sources;
• understand the objectives and design of a scientific study;
• interpret the main results;
• recognise the strengths and limitations of a study;
• relate scientific findings to exercise and physical activity practice;
• present and discuss scientific information;
• work collaboratively.

 

The course will be delivered in a blended mode, online and in person.

Readings/Bibliography

sMaterials required for examination preparation

Examination preparation will be based on:

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

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

Recommended readings

Additional scientific articles, guidelines, and documents may be recommended during the course for further study. Unless otherwise specified, these materials will be optional.

Teaching methods

The course will be delivered in a blended format, combining in-person and online teaching activities.

Teaching methods will include:

• lectures supported by slides and scientific materials;
• interactive discussion of practical and clinical cases;
• analysis of cardiovascular and cardiometabolic risk profiles;
• discussion of physical activity and exercise interventions;
• exercises involving the adaptation of physical activity to different populations;
• self-assessment questions;
• journal club activities;
• presentation and critical discussion of scientific articles.

The practical cases will be used to help students distinguish between the competences of exercise professionals and those requiring medical or other healthcare expertise.

Information on the organisation of in-person and online activities will be provided through Virtuale.

 

Assessment methods

The final assessment will consist of a 60-minute written examination.

The examination will mainly include multiple-choice questions. It may also include a limited number of short open-ended questions.

The questions will assess:

• knowledge of cardiovascular and cardiometabolic risk factors;
• understanding of the relationships between lifestyle, physical activity, and cardiovascular health;
• understanding of the physiological and preventive effects of exercise;
• knowledge of sex- and gender-related differences;
• understanding of physical activity during pregnancy;
• knowledge of the role of exercise in people with diabetes;
• the ability to apply the acquired knowledge to basic practical situations relevant to exercise and sport sciences.

Multiple-choice questions will have one correct answer.

Open-ended questions will assess the student’s ability to:

• explain the main concepts clearly and correctly;
• use appropriate scientific terminology;
• establish connections between risk factors, physical activity, and disease prevention;
• apply general principles to simple practical cases.

The number of multiple-choice questions may be adjusted when open-ended questions are included, while maintaining the overall duration and level of difficulty of the examination.

The final mark will be expressed out of 30. The examination is passed with a minimum mark of 18/30.

 

Journal club activity

Students may complete an intermediate learning activity through active participation in the journal club.

The activity includes:

• preparation of the assigned scientific article;
• presentation of its objectives, methods, and main findings;
• critical discussion of its strengths and limitations;
• active participation in the group discussion.

Successful completion of the journal club activity results in a 50% reduction in the total number of questions included in the final written examination.

This reduction may apply to both multiple-choice and open-ended questions, depending on the structure of the examination.

The journal club does not directly contribute points or a separate grade to the final mark. Students who do not complete the activity will take the full examination.

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 unauthorised use constitutes a breach of academic integrity.

Students with specific 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 tools and materials will support teaching and individual learning:

• lecture slides and summary diagrams;
• scientific articles and consensus documents;
• national and international guidelines;
• practical cases;
• self-assessment questions;
• audiovisual materials, where appropriate;
• the Virtuale platform for sharing teaching materials and course communications;
• online teaching platforms for remote activities.

Generative Artificial Intelligence may be used during individual study as a support for summarisation, reformulation, and self-assessment. AI-generated information must be critically verified against the official teaching materials and the scientific sources indicated by the lecturers.

Office hours

See the website of Anna Vittoria Mattioli

See the website of Marco Marcello Marcellini