A1 Understand health issues page 18

Question 1

What happens to the heart when a person has atherosclerosis?

Answer 1

When a person has atherosclerosis, the heart has to work harder to pump blood due to narrowed arteries, raising blood pressure and increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Question 2

What can happen if deposits in blood vessels break away and block an artery?

Answer 2

If deposits break away and block an artery, it can lead to chest pains, breathlessness, angina, or a heart attack if the blockage is significant.

Question 3

What is atherosclerosis?

Answer 3

Atherosclerosis is the build-up of deposits, including cholesterol and calcium, in the arteries.

Question 4

What is primary prevention in the context of cardiovascular disease?

Answer 4

Primary prevention involves preventing medical emergencies like heart attacks and strokes by addressing risk factors in at-risk populations.

Question 5

What are some primary prevention methods for reducing high blood pressure?

Answer 5

Primary prevention methods include exercising more, reducing dietary salt, and managing stress levels to lower high blood pressure.

Question 6

How can cholesterol levels be reduced as part of primary prevention?

Answer 6

Cholesterol levels can be reduced by improving diet, reducing alcohol intake, and taking medications like statins if necessary.

Question 7

What dietary changes are suggested for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease?

Answer 7

Dietary changes include reducing the consumption of ready-made and processed foods that are high in sugar, salt, and saturated fats.

Question 8

What role does smoking cessation play in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease?

Answer 8

Smoking cessation reduces cholesterol levels, lowers blood pressure, and decreases the risk of cardiovascular diseases and other conditions.