5.22-5.25 Non-communicable Disease Flashcards
(11 cards)
Describe how cardiovascular diseases are caused by the interaction of a number of factors
They can be caused by high dietary intake of saturated fat, combined with a sedentary (inactive) lifestyle.
Smoking also increases the likelihood of cardiovascular diseases
Describe how many forms of cancer are caused by the interaction of a number of factors
Smoking greatly increases the risk of lung cancer, whereas the risk of developing breast cancer is largely due to a combination of age and genetics.
Describe how some lung and liver diseases are caused by the interaction of a number of factors
Lung and liver diseases are made more likely by smoking and high alcohol intake respectively. However, other factors can play a part - especially age and genetics.
Describe how diseases influenced by nutrition are caused by the interaction of a number of factors
Vitamin and nutritional deficiencies are common in anorexic patients, as well as those who can’t absorb or use nutrients properly (including those with celiac disease and anaemia). Obesity, is caused by excess caloric intake and can again be heavy influenced by genetics as some people are more likely to gain weight than others.
What is the BMI equation? How is someone classified as obese?
BMI = mass (kg) / (height (m))^2
If someone’s BMI is over 30, they are classified as obese.
How can waist-hip ratio be used to identify obesity?
The waist-hip ratio is calculated by dividing waist circumference (cm) by hip circumference (cm). Obesity is classified as a waist-hip ratio of more than 0.85 for women or 1 in men.
Explain the effect of exercise and diet on obesity
-Eating more calories than you burn from physical activity (and everyday metabolism) causes us to put on weight.
-Eating a very large excess of calories, especially if a high proportion of these come from saturated fat, can lead to obesity and related illnesses.
-Obesity is an especially important problem in developed countries such as the UK
-Obesity can lead to developing cardiovascular disease and high blood pressure as fat (lipid) deposits form inside blood vessels.
-It can also contribute to developing Type 2 diabetes, as the body cannot use insulin as effectively when there is a high proportion of body fat
-Sugar tax aims to reduce obesity. Eating fewer processed foods, less sugar, saturated fat and high calorie foods can help reduce the risk of becoming obese.
Describe how smoking is linked to cardiovascular disease based on symptoms
-Smoking damages alveoli, reducing the surface area of the lungs, impairing gas exchange
-Smoking can cause fatty deposits to build up in arteries which increases the likelihood of a heart attack or a stroke
-Nicotine raises heart rate and blood pressure
-Smoking increases the risk of blood clotting, increasing the chance of having a heart attack or stroke
Evaluate life-long medication as a treatment for cardiovascular disease
-There are several medications that will either reduce cholesterol or reduce blood pressure.
-People with very high blood pressure may have to take multiple medications to reduce it.
-They will likely have to take these for the rest of their life
Evaluate surgical procedures as a treatment for cardiovascular disease
-Sometimes medication does not work effectively, and surgery may be required.
-Coronary arteries supply the heart muscle with oxygen, and cover the heart.
-If these are blocked, a coronary artery bypass can be performed, where the blocked sections of the coronary artery are ‘bypassed’.
-Another method involves using a metal stent to widen arteries that have been narrowed by fat deposits (atherosclerosis)
Evaluate lifestyle changes as a treatment for cardiovascular disease
-Reducing the amount of saturated fat we eat can reduce the risk of developing atherosclerosis (fat deposits in the arteries) and high cholesterol.
-Maintaining a healthy BMI can reduce strain on the heart.
-Taking regular exercise ensures that we remain a healthy weight.
-Reducing amount of salt in the diet, and hanging stress levels, can prevent high blood pressure from developing.
