Biology: Risk factors Flashcards
Risk factor: High blood pressure
As blood pressure increases, the risk of CVD increases. High blood pressure increases the chance of atherosclerosis.
Risk factor: Age
As age increases, the risk of CVD increases.
Risk factor: Gender
Males are at a higher risk of CVD than females.
Sphygmomamometer
The device used to measure blood pressure. Provides a reading for both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. It is measured in kilo pascals or millimetres of mercury.
Oedema
High blood pressure causes an increase in the amount of substances leaking out of blood plasma by the beginning of the capillaries. This increases the volume of tissue fluid which cannot be drained quickly enough by lymph capillaries, causing swelling.
Risk factor: Obesity
Obesity increases your risk of suffering coronary heart disease or a stroke.
Balanced diet
Taking in more calories a day than you use leads to weight gain, which overtime can lead to obesity.
Risk factor: Cholesterol
High blood cholesterol levels increases the risk of CVD.
LDLs (low-density lipoproteins)
A combination of triglycerides, proteins and cholesterol. Transport cholesterol through the blood stream and bind to receptors to be taken up so that the cholesterol can be used by the cell. Excess LDLs block receptors, causing increased blood cholesterol levels
HDLs (high-density lipoproteins)
Higher percentage of protein. Transport cholesterol to the liver to be broken down. Helps remove plaques (atherosclerosis).
Cholesterol content of fats
Saturated fats contain more HDLs and LDLs. However, unsaturated fats contain much less LDLs and so by consuming more unsaturated fats, the HDL:LDL ratio is increased.
Risk factor: Smoking - Carbon monoxide
Smoking increases the concentration of carbon monoxide within the body. Carbon monoxide binds to haemoglobin, preventing oxygen from binding and being carried around the body.
Risk factor: Smoking - Nicotine
Nicotine in cigarettes stimulates the production of adrenaline. As a result, heart rate rises and arteries and arterioles constrict, thus causing an increase in blood pressure.
Risk factor: Smoking - Chemicals
Chemicals in cigarettes cause damage to artery walls, leading to atherosclerosis.
Risk factor: Smoking - Cholesterol
Smoking has been linked with a reduction in HDLs.
Risk factor: Inactivity
Exercise helps lower blood pressure and increase blood HDL levels. It also reduces the chance of developing type II diabetes.
Risk factor: Genes
Certain gene mutations can either increase or reduce the risk of developing CVD.
Apolipoprotein gen cluster
A group of genes involved in the synthesis of apolopoproteins (protein component of lipoproteins), involved in the development of CVD.
Apolipoprotein A (apoA)
Major protein in HDL, mutations can lead to decreased HDL levels and reduced removal of cholesterol from the blood.
Apolipoprotein B (apoB)
Major protein in LDL, mutations cause increased levels of LDLs.
Apolipoprotein C (apoE)
Found in HDLs and V(very)LDLs. The apoE gene has three main alleles, E2, E3 and E4. The E4 allele slows the removal of cholesterol from the blood.
Risk factor: Antioxidents
Antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables reduce the chance of developing CVD and cancer.
Risk factor: Radicals
Radicals are atoms with unpaired electrons which are highly reactive and so can cause damage to cells and genetic material including enzymes.
Risk factor: Vitamins
Vitamins C, beta-carotene and E provide hydrogen atoms to pair with the electron and reduce the effect of radicals.
