Cardiovascular Disease and Ageing:

Question 1

How does the risk of cardiovascular disease change with age?

Answer 1

The risk of cardiovascular disease increases with age, but it can be influenced by other factors.

Question 2

What changes happen to the heart as people age?

Answer 2

1. The heart may increase in size, causing the heart wall to thicken, making it more difficult for the heart muscles to relax and fill with blood between beats.
   
   2. Artery walls narrow due to clogging by fats (cholesterol), preventing blood from passing easily.
   3. Pacemaker cells decrease, causing problems in the rhythm of the heart.
   4. The valves inside the heart that control the flow of blood thicken and become stiffer.

Question 3

What conditions can these heart changes increase the risk of?

Answer 3

• Angina.
• Hypertension (high blood pressure).
• Heart murmurs.
• Stroke.
• Heart attack.
• Heart failure.

Question 4

What are some health factors that can exacerbate heart disease?

Answer 4

• Genetic inheritance.
• Obesity.
• High blood pressure.
• Smoking.
• Diabetes.
• High blood cholesterol.

Question 5

What lifestyle factors can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease?

Answer 5

• Diet high in salt.
• Diet high in saturated fats.
• Lack of exercise.
• Alcohol consumption.

Question 6

What are the negative effects of cardiovascular disease in later life?

Answer 6

• Loss of independence.
• Anxiety about health.
• Depression.
• Anger.
• Frustration.
• Reduced mobility.
• Loss of opportunity to develop new friendships.

Question 7

What are the positive effects of cardiovascular disease in later life?

Answer 7

Closer relationships with family members and friends.
• Choosing to improve lifestyle (e.g., adopting healthier habits).