Disease and Lifestyle

Question 1

Why might smoking increase your chances of atheroma?

Answer 1

1. Decreases conc. of antioxidants in blood: this increases the damage done to artery walls;
2. Raises the number of platelets in the blood and makes them more sticky :more blood clots are likely to form;
3. Causes constriction of coronary arteries: raises blood pressure and damage to the artery lining
4. Carbon monoxide combines with haemoglobin so less available to transport oxygen
5. Blood pressure increased: due to increased heart rate

Question 2

How could salt in the diet increase your chances of high blood pressure?

Answer 2

Increased salt concentration in blood
decreases water potential of the blood
water moves into the blood
blood pressure increased

Question 3

How does a diet high in saturated fat increase chances of getting atheroma?

Answer 3

Blood cholesterol level increases;
LDLs transport cholesterol in the blood;
LDLs deposit cholesterol in arteries
atheroma formed
blood pressure increased, turbulence makes clotting more likely