Cardiovascular health metrics, muscle mass and function among Italian community-dwellers: the Lookup 7+ project (original) (raw)

Primordial prevention is essential for promoting cardiovascular health and longevity through the so-called seven cardiovascular health metrics (CHMs) (i.e. smoking, body mass index, diet, physical activity, blood pressure, blood glucose and total cholesterol). Measures of muscle mass and function are recognized as powerful predictors of health-related events and survival. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to assess the prevalence and distribution of the seven CHMs and measures of muscle mass and function in an unselected cohort of community-dwellers. The Longevity check-up 7+ (Lookup 7+) project is an ongoing cross-sectional survey conducted in unconventional settings (e.g. exhibitions, malls and health promotion campaigns) across Italy. CHMs are assessed through a brief questionnaire and by measurement of standing height, body weight, blood glucose, blood cholesterol and blood pressure. Muscle mass is estimated from calf circumference, whereas muscle strength and function...