B6.3.15

Question 1

What is the build up of fatty deposits in the artery do (atherosclerosis)

Answer 1

This causes atherosclerosis - a hardening and narrowing of the arteries. CVD can also occur as the result of a blood clot.

Question 2

What is cardiovascular disease

Answer 2

Is a general term describing a disease of the heart or blood vessels. Blood flow to the heart, brain or body can be reduced by a build up of fatty deposits inside an artery.

Question 3

What happens if this occurs in a heart artery or a brain artery

Answer 3

If this occurs in an artery supplying the heart muscle with blood it causes a heart attack. If it occurs in an artery supplying the brain it causes a stroke.

Question 4

What factors increase your risk of CVD

Answer 4

Have a poor diet
Take too little exercise
Smoke
Have high blood pressure

Question 5

How does diet increase your risk of CVD

Answer 5

Too much salt results in more water being absorbed back into the blood, following filtration in the kidney. The extra water causes high blood pressure.

Animals products such as butter and red meat contain high levels of saturated fat. A high diet of saturated fats causes cholesterol to be deposited in the artery walls.

Question 6

How does exercise affect your health

Answer 6

. Body mass is likely to be lower. Exercise transfers stored energy to the surroundings by heating, meaning that less of the food you eat is stored as fat.
. Your joints are healthier. Your risk of arthritis decreases, as your joints have regular use and your body mass is lower.
. You have more muscle tissue, including a stronger heart
. Cholesterol levels are lower.