Core 1 IQ2: What are the priority issues for improving Australia's health? Flashcards
(189 cards)
What are some examples of the differences in the level of health of particular groups in our generally affluent society? (2)
These differences exist in terms of:
Unequal distribution of some illnesses or conditions throughout the population (across different demographics)
Health inequities; unjust impact on the health status of some groups due to social, economic, environmental and cultural factors such as income, education
What are the three (general) determinants of health?
Sociocultural determinants
Socioeconomic determinants
Environmental determinants
What is included in sociocultural determinants of health (5)?
Family
Peers
Media
Religion
Culture
What is included in socioeconomic determinants of health? (3)
Employment
Education
Income
What is included in the environmental determinants of health? (3)
Geographical location
Access to health services
Access to technology
What is the difference in life expectancy for ATSI people compared to non-ATSI peoples?
There is a difference of 10 years, and this has continued throughout the years leading up to 2023.
WHat is the trend in life expectancy for ATSI in prior years?
It has been increasing slowly.
What is Cardiovascular Disease (CVD)?
Refers to damage to, or disease of the heart, arteries, veins and/or smaller blood vessels.
Why has CVD been identified as a health priority area?
Because it is a major health and economic burden on Aus. It accounted for 42, 300 deaths (25% of all deaths) in 2019, according to AIHW
What subgroups are more susceptible to death from CVD?
Males are more likely than females to die from the disease, and ATSI people die from the disease at twice the rate of the total population
What is the nature of Cardiovascular disease?
It mainly affects the circulatory system. It has 3 major forms; coronary heart disease, stroke and peripheral vascular disease. It is most evident as stroke, heart attack, angina, heart failure and peripheral vascular disease.
Atherosclerosis is the underlying cause of most of these conditions
What is Atherosclerosis?
It is the build up of fatty and/or fibrous material on the interior walls of arteries. This build up hinders flow of blood to the body’s tissues and also acts to increase blood pressure.
Atherosclerosis can occur in any artery of the body, but it is of greatest threat to an individual’s health when it is present in the arteries lading to the brain, eyes or legs or the heart
Typically occurs in patches known as atheroma or plaque and is characterised by the presence of cholesterol
High blood pressure, smoking and a diet rich in fat can accelerate the development of atherosclerosis
What is the major function of the heart, and what happens when the individual has atherosclerosis in the coronary arteries?
Major function of the heart is to supply the body with oxygen rich blood. To perform continual intense exercise, the heart requires a supply of Oxygenated blood, which is received from the coronary arteries. The presence of atherosclerosis in the coronary arteries reduces the needed supply of blood, depriving the muscle of oxygen, and hindering the functioning of the heart
Wha is Arteriosclerosis?
The hardening of arteries, and it is a degenerative disease that occurs during ageing, and it is a form of atherosclerosis, as it develops as fatty or fibrous deposits build up and arteries become harder and less elastic
What is coronary heart disease?
Also known as ischaemic heart disease, it refers to damage or disease in the heart’s major blood vessels. The usual cause is the build-up of plaque. This causes coronary arteries to narrow, limiting blood flow to the heart. Typically manifests as a heart attack or angina
What is a heart attack known as? (3)
myocardial infarction, coronary thrombosis and coronary occlusion
What is a heart attack caused by?
The complete closure of a coronary artery by atherosclerosis, and can also occur hen blood clot forms and blocks a narrowed artery.
The efficient functioning of the heart relies on a regular oxygenated blood flow, so the cessation of the flow to any part of the heart results in tissue death.
What can a heart attack cause?
Sudden death or impaired function of the heart muscle, the area of damage may also be minimal and the individual can resume everyday activity. During the healing process following a heart attack, nearby arteries grow new branches to supply the damaged tissue
What are 5 symptoms associated with heart attacks?
Sudden collapse or unconsciousness
Shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, excessive sweating
Chronic pain, lasting for hours or days
Acute pain, extending to the shoulders, neck, arms and jaw
Pain felt as a burning sensation in the centre of the chest, between the shoulder blades or behind the breast bone
What is an angina pectoris? (or angina)
Medical term used to describe the chest pain that occurs when the heart has an insufficient supply of oxygenated blood. Thus, it’s not really a disease but a symptom of oxygen deprivation
What is an angina caused by?
Generally caused by coronary atherosclerosis, where the narrowed arteries allow enough oxygenated blood to flow to the heart to enable everyday activity, but chest pain or tightness occurs when the heart becomes overloaded by exertion, excitement or overeating
What is a stroke?
A stroke refers to damage to the brain from interruption of its blood supply. It is known medically as a cerebrovascular accident
What is a stroke caused by?
Occurs when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted by a clot / atherosclerosis or when a burst blood vessel haemorrhages into the brain
What is a risk factor for a stroke, why?
Hypertension is a risk factor for a stroke, as blood vessels directly damaged due to high blood pressure tend to either rupture more easily or result in an aneurysm (which could lead to a rupture)