4.1 Flashcards
(11 cards)
- What key medical advances have contributed to the increased human lifespan over recent centuries?
Advances such as improved sanitation, widespread vaccination (e.g., against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, measles), the discovery and use of antibiotics, and enhanced neonatal and critical care have together dramatically reduced early mortality and extended human lifespan.
- How have vaccination programs impacted mortality rates from infectious diseases in Australia?
The introduction of vaccines (with school-based diphtheria vaccination commencing in 1932, followed by tetanus, pertussis, polio, and measles vaccines) has led to a significant decline in deaths from vaccine-preventable diseases, thereby reducing overall childhood mortality and lifting life expectancy.
- Which advances in cardiovascular medicine have played a major role in reducing deaths and increasing lifespan?
The identification and management of cardiovascular risk factors—such as high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, and smoking—along with developments in surgical interventions, medical therapies, and the advent of coronary revascularization techniques have greatly reduced mortality from coronary heart disease and stroke.
- What are the major causes of death in Australia based on recent data?
Recent data show that the leading causes of death in Australia include cardiovascular diseases (coronary heart disease and stroke), various cancers (all neoplasms), and, in older age groups, conditions such as dementia—including Alzheimer’s disease. Injuries, poisoning, and suicide also contribute significantly, especially among younger populations.
- How do causes of death differ across age groups in Australia?
In the very young, perinatal and congenital conditions are predominant; among adolescents and young adults, injuries and suicide are major causes; middle-aged groups (45–64 years) largely succumb to cardiovascular diseases, while in older adults (75+ years) dementia and continued cardiovascular conditions become the dominant causes of death.
- Describe the trend in cardiovascular disease mortality in Australia over the recent decades.
There has been a steady decline in age-standardized death rates from cardiovascular diseases in Australia from the 1950s to 2020, largely due to improved prevention, risk factor management, and advances in cardiovascular treatments.
- What is the Framingham Heart Study and why is it significant in understanding disease risk?
The Framingham Heart Study is a landmark longitudinal study initiated in 1948 that followed over 5,000 individuals along with their offspring. It was pivotal in identifying modifiable risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and cigarette smoking as key contributors to cardiovascular disease, thus guiding preventive public health measures.
- How do longitudinal studies, such as Framingham, help identify risk factors for chronic diseases?
By repeatedly collecting data (e.g., blood pressure, cholesterol, lifestyle habits) over many years from the same individuals, longitudinal studies can correlate specific factors with the eventual development of disease. This temporal relationship helps establish causality and identify modifiable risk factors that current interventions can target.
- Which modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular disease have been identified by longitudinal research studies?
Key modifiable risk factors include high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol levels, cigarette smoking, and physical inactivity. Longitudinal research has also highlighted the protective effects of regular physical activity and a healthy diet.
- In addition to improved clinical interventions, which lifestyle factors are known to reduce the risk of diseases identified in longitudinal studies?
Lifestyle factors such as maintaining regular physical activity, a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, avoiding smoking, and managing stress significantly contribute to reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases and other chronic conditions.
- How did the control of infectious diseases historically contribute to increased human lifespan?
The control of infectious diseases through improvements in public health measures—such as sanitation, clean water, and vaccinations—and the advent of antibiotics led to a dramatic reduction in early-life mortality. This shift allowed more individuals to survive into adulthood and old age, thereby steadily increasing average human lifespan.
