The charts and scoring system for assessing absolute global cardiovascular risk are based on observations of risk factors and risk conditions, derived from longitudinal studies conducted as part of the CUORE project among the general adult population residing in Italy. The absolute global cardiovascular risk—which can be determined using risk charts and scoring systems—is based on risk factors and conditions assessed through standardized measurements. The methodologies for diabetes, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and smoking are outlined below.

 

Diabetes

1.       Fasting blood glucose assay performed in laboratories subjected to periodic quality control controls

2.       the blood sample taken after at least 12 hours fasting

3.       the sample taken venous and not capillary

4.       by diabetic we mean any individual whose fasting blood glucose level, in at least two subsequent measurements over a one-week period, is equal to or higher than 126 mg/dl or who is undergoing oral pharmacological or insulin treatment or has a personal clinical history of diabetes.

 

 

Blood pressure

Two measurement of the systolic blood pressure need to be performed, several minutes one after the other. The pressure value referred to for risk assessment is the mean between the two measurements.

 

Total blood cholesterol and HDL levels

1.     Blood sample  taken after at least 12 hours fasting

2.     venous the sample venous and not capillary

3.     it is particularly important to have the total and HDL cholesterol assay performed in laboratories subjected to periodic quality controls.

 

Smoking habit

A smoker is anyone who smokes regularly every day (even only one cigarette) or has stopped less than 12 months previously. A non smoker is anyone who has never smoked or has stopped more than 12 months previously.