non-communicable diseases Flashcards
(16 cards)
What is coronary heart disease?
Layers of fatty material that build up inside the coronary arteries, narrowing them - resulting in a lack of oxygen for the heart.
What is a stent?
A device inserted into a blocked artery to keep it open, allowing more blood and oxygen to the heart.
What are statins?
Drugs that reduce blood cholesterol levels, slowing the rate of fatty material deposit.
What is a faulty heart valve?
Heart valve that doesn’t open properly or leaks.
How can a faulty heart valve be treated?
Replace with a biological or mechanical valve.
When do heart transplants take place?
In cases of heart failure.
What are artificial hearts used for?
Keep patients alive whilst waiting for a transplant, or allow the heart to rest for recovery.
Define health.
State of physical and mental well-being.
What factors can affect health?
Disease, diet, stress, exercise, life situations.
What is a risk factor?
Aspect of lifestyle or substance in the body that can increase the risk of a disease developing.
Give five risk factors.
Poor diet, smoking, lack of exercise, alcohol, carcinogens.
What is cancer?
A result of changes in cells that lead to uncontrolled growth and cell division by mitosis.
What are malignant tumours?
Cancerous tumours that can spread to neighbouring tissues and other parts of the body in the blood, forming secondary tumours.
What are benign tumours?
Non-cancerous tumours that do not spread in the body.
What two types of risk factor affect the development of cancers?
Lifestyle and genetic risk factors.
What is a carcinogen?
A substance that can cause cancers to develop.
