Cardiovascular risk factors

Question 1

Define cardiovascular disease

Answer 1

‘disease of the heart and blood vessels caused by the process of atherosclerosis’

Question 2

How is mental health linked to CVD ?

Answer 2

Depression associated with increased mortality from CVD
CVD major contributor to premature deaths in patients with severe mental illnesses

Question 3

What are the modifiable risk factors for CVD ?

Answer 3

High BP
Diabetes - blood sugar levels elevated over prolonged period of time, resulting in damage to inner lining of blood vessels.
High cholesterol
Air pollution
Smoking
Obesity
Diet and exercise
Age - time needed for atherosclerotic plaque to develop and cause the disease
Gender - earlier in men. Increased in women post menopause (fall in oestrogen)
Genetics
Ethnicity - South Asian origin - T2DM, increased triglycerides, lipid profile