1.2.1 - Risk Of Cardiovascular Disease

Question 1

What Is CVD?

Answer 1

Is the general term for conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels.

Question 2

What Are The Lifestyle Factors Linked To CVD?
(3 Points)

Answer 2

~ Diet.

~ High blood pressure.

~ Smoking.

Question 3

Describe ‘Diet’ As A Lifestyle Factor Linked To CVD
(2 Points)

Answer 3

~ A diet high in saturated fat, increases blood cholesterol levels, increasing atheroma formation and therefore thrombosis, causing a heart attack, stoke or DVT.

~ A diet high in salt increases the risk of high blood pressure.

Question 4

Describe ‘High Blood Pressure’ As A Lifestyle Factor Linked To CVD
(2 Points)

Answer 4

~ Increases the risk of damage to the artery walls, increasing the risk of an atheroma forming therefore thrombosis and CVD.

~ Excessive alcohol consumption, stress and diet can also increase blood pressure.

Question 5

Describe ‘Smoking’ As A Lifestyle Factor Linked To CVD
(2 Points)

Answer 5

~ Carbon monoxide combines with haemoglobin, reducing its oxygen carrying capacity, decreasing respiration in the cells of the brain and heart leading to strokes and heart attacks.

~ Decreases the levels of antioxidants in the blood, increasing the risk of damage to cells lining the arteries, leading to an atheroma forming and therefore thrombosis.

Question 6

What Are The Factors Beyond Control Linked To CVD?
(3 Points)

Answer 6

~ Genetics.

~ Age.

~ Biological sex (Gender).

Question 7

Describe ‘Genetics’ As A Factor Beyond Control Linked To CVD

Answer 7

Individuals can inherit alleles making them more prone to high blood pressure or high blood cholesterol, therefore more likely to develop CVD.

Question 8

Describe ‘Age’ As A Factor Beyond Control Linked To CVD

Answer 8

Blood vessels become more fragile and plaque builds up over time.

Question 9

What Is Meant By ‘Risk’?

Answer 9

The chance of something unfavourable happening.

Question 10

How Are Peoples Perception Of Risk Different From The Actual Risk?
(2 Points)

Answer 10

~ Overestimate the risk.

~ Underestimate the risk.

Question 11

Describe Overestimation Of Risk
(2 Points)

Answer 11

~ People may believe things to be a greater risk than they actually are.

~ Articles in media often provide constant exposure to bad information, worrying people.

Question 12

Describe Underestimation Of Risk
(2 Points)

Answer 12

~ People may believe things to be a lower risk than they actually are.

~ Caused by a lack of information making them unaware of the factors that can contribute to risk.