Heart disease risk factors

Question 1

stages of development of the coronary heart disease

Answer 1

1. Build-up of fatty plaques in the wall of the coronary artery
   → formation of atheroma and fibrous cap in the artery wall
   → narrowing of artery lumen
   → partial reduction in blood and oxygen supply to the heart
   → development of angina
2. Repeated rupturing of fibrous cap, clotting
   → formation of thrombus and aneurysm
   → complete blockage of the coronary artery
   → interruption of blood and oxygen supply to the heart
   → myocardial infarction, damage to heart tissue

Question 2

CHD risk factors

Answer 2

• smoking
• high blood pressure
• high blood cholesterol
• high levels of salt in the diet
• high levels of saturated fat in the diet

Question 3

Smoking and risks of CHD

Answer 3

• carbon monoxide binds to RBCs reducing oxygen-carrying capacity of blood, increasing blood pressure
• nicotine stimulates adrenaline, which increases blood pressure
• nicotine makes platelets more ‘sticky’ increasing the risk of thrombosis

Question 4

High blood pressure and risks of CHD

Answer 4

• hard needs to work harder so is more prone to failure
• arteries more likely to develop aneurism and burst
• thickening of artery walls
• hereditary
• lifestyle factors: prolonged stress, diet, lack of exercise

Question 5

Blood cholesterol and risks of CHD

Answer 5

• HDLs (high density licoproteins) remove cholesterol from tissues to the liver for excretion
• LDLs (low density licoproteins) transport cholesterol to the tissues

high blood cholesterol levels → increased risks of CHD

Question 6

Diet and risks of CHD

Answer 6

high levels of salt → increased blood pressure → higher risks of CHD

high levels of saturated fat → increased LDLs levels → higher blood cholesterol → higher risks of CHD

antioxidants, e.g. vitamin C or dietary fibre → lower risks of CHD