2.2. Assessments and Data Collection

Surveys in IBD patients and controls were performed to assess CV risk factors and medication. Hypertension was defined as a systolic or a diastolic blood pressure higher than 140 and 90 mmHg, respectively. Dyslipidemia was defined if one of the following factors was present: total cholesterol >200 mg/dL, triglycerides >150 mg/dL, HDL-cholesterol <40 mg/dL in men or <50 mg/dL in women, or LDL-cholesterol >130 mg/dL. Standard techniques were used to measure serum lipids, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP), and fecal calprotectin. Additionally, it was registered if the patient had a recent colonoscopy or magnetic resonance enterography. Disease activity in CD was assessed through Crohn’s Disease Activity Index (CDAI) and the Harvey-Bradshaw Index (HBI) [16]. CDAI was broken down into asymptomatic remission (0 to 149 points), mildly to moderately active (150 to 220), moderately to severely active (221 to 450 points), and severely active to fulminant disease (451 to 1100 points) categories as previously described [17]. Similarly, the Harvey–Bradshaw Index was categorized as remission (0 to 4 points), mildly active disease (5 to 7 points), moderately active disease (8 to 16 points), and severely active disease (17 to 100 points) [16]. Disease activity in UC was calculated through the partial Mayo Clinic score [18]. In patients with IBD, physical activity was assessed through the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) short form, and data was presented as metabolic equivalent-of-task (MET)-minutes per week [19]. All data acquisition regarding fecal calprotectin assessment and questionnaires evaluation, including carotid ultrasound, were performed in the same visit day.