Cardio- and cerebrovascular diseases are the leading cause of death and disability globally, underscoring the need for primary prevention, especially given that 80% of stroke patients in Tyrol had untreated risk conditions prior to their stroke.
The American Heart Association (AHA) and the American Stroke Association (ASA) identify eight factors that have a fundamental influence on vascular health, collectively known as "Life's Essential 8" or "LE8." The LE8 includes blood pressure, blood sugar, LDL cholesterol, BMI (Body Mass Index), as well as physical activity, sleep, a balanced diet, and avoiding nicotine products.
The INN.HEALTH study aims to evaluate the impact of a single health examination with counseling, supplemented by bi-monthly motivational newsletters, on improving vascular health over one year among a large cohort of Tyrolean adults. For this purpose, 1000 participants (500 men, 500 women) from various age groups are recruited and comprehensively characterized in terms of their demographic information and clinical profiles.
During the initial baseline pre-examination (study visit 1), blood, urine and stool samples are collected, and selected participants receive an actigraphy device for monitoring activity patterns. Additionally, participants complete self-administered questionnaires about their lifestyle habits. Two weeks post pre-examination (baseline, study visit 2) physical assessments and cognitive and sensory tests are performed. Based on these results the participant's health status in relation to the LE8 factors is assessed and the reduction of identified risk factors is discussed in a counseling session. If certain findings require further clarification, participants are referred to a specialist for further evaluation and treatment.One year after the initial examinations, participants are scheduled for two additional appointments: the first one (study visit 3) is identical to the initial baseline pre-examination, the second one marks the final examination (study visit 4), and is identical to baseline.
Over the 12 months between study visits 2 and 3 participants receive regular newsletters as part of the health promotion program, informing them about vascular health promotion opportunities in the region.
In the final consultation at the end of the final examination visit, participants receive a comprehensive assessment of which aspects of their lifestyle have significantly changed over the past year. Participants are then provided with tailored guidance on further optimizing their vascular health to reduce individual risks of stroke and heart attack.
Secondary objectives of this study include analyzing changes in quality of life, medication compliance, healthcare usage, vascular and cognitive health, as well as identifying risk factors and early markers for neurodegenerative disease, with data collected and periodically reviewed long-term. The study also seeks to establish a regional cohort with a biobank for future research on vascular health, aging, and mitochondrial function, and to explore the feasibility of incorporating hearing screenings into routine health exams
