SAC 1. Risk Factors including Mechanisms of Disease Flashcards
(53 cards)
Smoking
A practice in which a substance is burned, and the resulting smoke is inhaled to be tasted and absorbed into the bloodstream.
Generally relates to tobacco.
Alcohol
Alcohol and alcoholic beverages contain ethanol, which is a psychoactive and toxic substance with dependence-producing properties.
Binge drinking
Drinking more than 4 standard drinks in one sitting; short term.
Alcoholism or alcohol addiction
A chronic or long term condition; a constant desire to drink. Can also be referred to as alcohol dependence.
Body Mass Index
A height to weight ratio; a statistical measure of body mass calculated by dividing weight (in kg) by height (in m²).
High BMI
A BMI of 30 or over is classified as obese.
Soluble Fibre
It has a binding effect that can lead to the increased removal of cholesterol from the body; found in fruits, vegetables, oats and legumes.
Insoluble Fibre
Plays a major role in adding bulk to faeces; found in fresh fruits and vegetables e.g. corn, wholegrains.
Energy dense foods
Foods that contain significant amounts of fat, carbohydrates and/or protein, they contribute large amounts of energy to the diet especially processed foods such as donuts, meat pies, hot chips, soft drink
Nutrient dense foods
Foods that contain a large amount of nutrients such as vitamins and minerals e.g. fruits, vegetables and dairy.
Cholesterol
A waxy, fat-like substance produced by the liver and provided by consumption of animal fats. It is found in all cells of the body and used for the production of hormones and digestive enzymes.
Low density lipoprotein (LDL)
Carry cholesterol from the liver to the cells; high LDL levels produce a build up of cholesterol in arteries which can be LETHAL. Found in saturated fats (animals products e.g. dairy, meat, eggs) and trans fats (donuts, meat pies, pre-packaged foods e.g. supermarket cakes)
High density lipoprotein (HDL)
Carry cholesterol from other parts of the body to the liver, which then removes it from the body which means they are HELPFUL. Found in unsaturated fat foods e.g. polyunsaturated fats (fish)
Antioxidants
Compounds found in foods that neutralize free radicals making them less susceptible to becoming cancerous; found in fruits and vegetables.
Dairy
Includes milk, cheese and yoghurt; dairy foods are high in calcium, a mineral responsible for the ossification or hardening of bones and teeth.
Monounsaturated fats
A ‘good or healthy’ fat as reduce LDL cholesterol; food sources include avocado and olive oil.
Polyunsaturated fats
A ‘good or healthy’ fat as reduce LDL cholesterol and increase HDL cholesterol; food sources include fish.
Saturated fats
Derived from animal fats e.g. red meat, eggs, butter; saturated fat foods are energy dense and increase LDL cholesterol.
Trans fats
Trans fat foods are highly processed and energy dense e.g. meat pie, supermarket cakes, packet chips; they increase LDL cholesterol and decrease HDL cholesterol.
Salt
A mineral that is made up of sodium and chloride. Food sources include table salt, salted nuts, salted chips, tomato sauce, processed meats such as bacon, salami.
Sugar
A form of carbohydrate that the body converts to glucose; food sources include soft drinks, lollies, flavoured milk. High sugar foods are energy dense.
Smoking - CVD
Inhalation of dangerous chemicals from tobacco smoke = increases rate of atherosclerosis = plaque build up on blood vessel walls causing hardening and potential blockages resulting in…- heart attack (coronary heart disease - reduced oxygen flow to heart) AND/OR - stroke (reduced oxygen flow to the brain)
Smoking - lung cancer
Inhalation of dangerous chemicals in tobacco smoke into the lungs = damage to DNA - increased abnormal cell growth in the lungs
Smoking - asthma
Inhalation of dangerous chemicals in tobacco smoke into the lungs = narrowing and inflammation of airways reducing oxygen flow
