Cardiovascular Disease

Question 1

Definition of cardiovascular disease

Answer 1

Refers to all diseases and conditions involving the heart and blood vessels. The main types in Australia are:

- Coronary heart disease
- Stroke 
- Heart failure/ cardiomyopathy

Question 2

Hypertension definition

Answer 2

Elevated blood pressure

- Defined by blood pressure > 140/90 mmHg

Question 3

What is optimal blood pressure

Answer 3

< 120/80

Question 4

Target Waist Circumference

Answer 4

< 94 cm males
< 90 cm males (asian)
< 80 cm Females

Question 5

How does sodium impact blood pressure?

Answer 5

The kidneys help control blood pressure by taking water out of the bloodstream. Meanwhile salt contains sodium, and when there is too much sodium in the bloodstream, water is pulled back in. This means more water in the blood vessel which means higher pressure.

- Over time, high blood pressure makes your blood vessels work harder 
- To cope, the walls thicken, reducing the space inside the blood vessels 
- Causes blood pressure to rise even more 
- May lead to less blood reaching organs 
- Less blood to your heart can cause pain known as angina or a heart attack 
- Less blood to the brain can cause a stroke or a type of dementia

Question 6

Daily targets of sodium

Answer 6

Target = 2000 mg per day

Heart Failure = < 1600mg per day

Question 7

Different classes of products (sodium)

Answer 7

Low Salt Food < 120mg / 100g
Moderate 120-400mg
High > 400 mg

Question 8

Packaging Aims

Answer 8

Aim for:
total fat less than 10g per 100g
Sat fat less than 3 g
Fibre > 3g per serve

Question 9

Key tips to reduce salt intake

Answer 9

• Use herbs and spices to flavour your food instead of salt
  
  • Cook at home using fresh foods and avoid processed or pre-prepared foods
  • Choose “no added salt’ options where possible
  • Reduce salt claims = reduce amount of salt from the original product, therefore aim for ‘low salt’ claims as this has to be <120mg/100g
    Avoid bringing salt shakers to the table

Question 10

Sodium and fluid restriction

Answer 10

Be aware that some pts may be on fluid restriction, depending on their cardiac condition

Question 11

How often do taste buds regenerate?

Answer 11

Every 6 weeks

Question 12

Dyslipidaemia

Answer 12

Disorder of lipid metabolism reflected by abnormal levels of cholesterol, lipoproteins or triglycerides in the blood

Question 13

Where is cholesterol produced

Answer 13

In the liver

Question 14

Functions of cholesterol

Answer 14

Build structures of cell membranes
Hormone production
Produce bile salts

Question 15

How is cholesterol carried around the body

Answer 15

Couriers called lipoproteins

Question 16

What are the two types of cholesterol carriers

Answer 16

LDL is the “bad” cholesterol that builds up fatty plaques on the inside of the blood vessels leading to atherosclerosis
HDL is the “good” cholesterol the reverses the process of the LDL cholesterol by removing it and help keep the arteries clear of fatty plaques

Question 17

What does sat fat increase?

Answer 17

Increases total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides

Question 18

What do trans fatty acids increase

Answer 18

Increase LDL cholesterol but decreases HDL

Question 19

Mono and poly unsaturated fats

Answer 19

Increase HDL cholesterol

Found in oils, nuts and seeds, fatty fish

Question 20

Which dietary fibre is good for cholesterol reduction

Answer 20

Soluble fibre - because it cannot be absorbed, it binds to the cholesterol

Question 21

Plant Sterols

Answer 21

Are cholesterol like substances that occur naturally in low levels in fruits, vegetables, nuts and cereals
- When consumed in 2-3g day it can reduce LDL cholesterol