cardiovascular disease Flashcards
what can a diet high in sugars and fats lead to ?
obesity
what is obesity?
build up of excessive fats around organs such as the heart and kidneys and under the skin
why do we need some fat?
to cushion organs when we move
store some vitamins
provide a store of energy
what’s the result of cardiovascular disease?
circulatory system functioning poorly
what is a sign of cardiovascular disease and what can it lead to?
high blood pressure
heart pain / heart attack
what is the equation for body mass index?
BMI = mass(kg) / height (squared) (metres)
why do we use BMI?
to predict the amount of body fat
what is the best method for measuring abdominal fat?
(waist:hip) ratio
how do harmful substances in tobacco smoke damage the body?
absorbed from the lungs into the blood
damage blood vessels
increase blood pressure
make blood vessels narrower
increase risk of blood clots
ALL CAN LEAD TO CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE
how might a doctor advise a patient with high blood pressure to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease?
exercise more
give up smoking
(medicines-for very high blood pressure)
how might you treat a narrowed blood vessel?
insert a stent - a small mesh tube - to hold it open
how might you treat a blocked artery?
insert other blood vessels so heart tissue is supplied wth oxygen and nutrients again
what might be some life-long treatment?
may have to take medicines to help prevent a heart attack or stroke
