Biology: Risk factors

Question 1

Risk factor: High blood pressure

Answer 1

As blood pressure increases, the risk of CVD increases. High blood pressure increases the chance of atherosclerosis.

Question 2

Risk factor: Age

Answer 2

As age increases, the risk of CVD increases.

Question 3

Risk factor: Gender

Answer 3

Males are at a higher risk of CVD than females.

Question 4

Sphygmomamometer

Answer 4

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.

Question 5

Oedema

Answer 5

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.

Question 6

Risk factor: Obesity

Answer 6

Obesity increases your risk of suffering coronary heart disease or a stroke.

Question 7

Balanced diet

Answer 7

Taking in more calories a day than you use leads to weight gain, which overtime can lead to obesity.

Question 8

Risk factor: Cholesterol

Answer 8

High blood cholesterol levels increases the risk of CVD.

Question 9

LDLs (low-density lipoproteins)

Answer 9

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

Question 10

HDLs (high-density lipoproteins)

Answer 10

Higher percentage of protein. Transport cholesterol to the liver to be broken down. Helps remove plaques (atherosclerosis).

Question 11

Cholesterol content of fats

Answer 11

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.

Question 12

Risk factor: Smoking - Carbon monoxide

Answer 12

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.

Question 13

Risk factor: Smoking - Nicotine

Answer 13

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.

Question 14

Risk factor: Smoking - Chemicals

Answer 14

Chemicals in cigarettes cause damage to artery walls, leading to atherosclerosis.

Question 15

Risk factor: Smoking - Cholesterol

Answer 15

Smoking has been linked with a reduction in HDLs.

Question 16

Risk factor: Inactivity

Answer 16

Exercise helps lower blood pressure and increase blood HDL levels. It also reduces the chance of developing type II diabetes.

Question 17

Risk factor: Genes

Answer 17

Certain gene mutations can either increase or reduce the risk of developing CVD.

Question 18

Apolipoprotein gen cluster

Answer 18

A group of genes involved in the synthesis of apolopoproteins (protein component of lipoproteins), involved in the development of CVD.

Question 19

Apolipoprotein A (apoA)

Answer 19

Major protein in HDL, mutations can lead to decreased HDL levels and reduced removal of cholesterol from the blood.

Question 20

Apolipoprotein B (apoB)

Answer 20

Major protein in LDL, mutations cause increased levels of LDLs.

Question 21

Apolipoprotein C (apoE)

Answer 21

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.

Question 22

Risk factor: Antioxidents

Answer 22

Antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables reduce the chance of developing CVD and cancer.

Question 23

Risk factor: Radicals

Answer 23

Radicals are atoms with unpaired electrons which are highly reactive and so can cause damage to cells and genetic material including enzymes.

Question 24

Risk factor: Vitamins

Answer 24

Vitamins C, beta-carotene and E provide hydrogen atoms to pair with the electron and reduce the effect of radicals.

Question 25

Risk factor: Salt

Answer 25

High salt concentration in the body cause the kidneys to retain water. With more fluid in the blood, blood pressure increases.

Question 26

Risk factor: Stress

Answer 26

Stress can increase the release of adrenaline, leading to increased heart rate and the constriction or arteries and arterioles, causing higher blood pressure. Stress can also lead to a poor diet, including overeating and increased alcohol consumption.

Question 27

Risk factor: alcohol

Answer 27

Alcohol causes damage to liver, brain and heart cells. Damage to the liver means that less glucose and and lipids are removed from the blood. However, moderate alcohol consumption can cause an increase in HDLs in the blood.