Cardiovascular Diseases

Question 1

How is high cholesterol and a poor diet a risk factor for cardiovascular disease?

Answer 1

• Cholesterol is one of the main components of the fatty deposits that form atheromas
• Atheromas can increase blood pressure and blood clots which blocks the flow of blood to coronary arteries
• This can cause a myocardial infection (heart attack)
• Diets high in saturated fats are associated with high blood cholesterol levels
• Diets high in salt can increase the risk: causes increased blood pressure

Question 2

How does smoking increase the risk of cardiovascular disease?

Answer 2

• Nicotine increases the risk of high blood pressure
• Carbon monoxide combines with haemoglobin and reduces the amount of blood transported into tissues (including heart muscle)
• Smoking decreases amounts of antioxidants in the blood - these are important for protecting cells from damage
• Fewer of these meas that cell damage in the coronary artery walls is more likely, which can lead to atheroma formation

Question 3

How can high blood pressure lead to cardiovascular diseases?

Answer 3

• Increases risk of damage to the artery walls
• Damaged walls have an increased risk of atherom formation, causing a further increase in blood pressure
• Atheromas can cause blood clots to form which can block blood flow of blood to the heart muscle
• This may result in a myocardial infection (heart attack