Heart Disease Flashcards
Lack of exercise
Raises blood pressure and cholesterol levels putting pressure on the heart
Smoking
• Nicotine - the main ingredient in cigarettes – causes an increase in both heart rate and blood pressure putting strain on the heart.
• Smoking damages the heart and blood vessels causing a build-up of plaque in the arteries, reducing blood supply, putting strain on the heart.
Poor diet
Eating too many foods high in saturated fats increases blood cholesterol narrowing the arteries putting increased strain on the heart
Stress
Stress increases blood pressure which puts a strain on the heart increasing the risk of heart disease
Genetics
Some people may inherit a greater risk of high blood pressure or high cholesterol, from their parents making them more likely to suffer from heart disease.
Area your born into
If you are born into poverty you are more likely to lead a lifestyle which would put you at greater risk of heart disease e.g. eat poorly
Pressure on the nhs
NHS put under strain as more hospital beds and doctors are required.
Lower life expectancy
Heart disease lowers life expectancy. Glasgow has one of the highest rates of heart disease in the UK and lower life expectancy as a result.
Increased spending
The NHS also must spend more money on prevention, ensuring people are educated on how
to guard against suffering from the disease.
Productivity declines
Loss of productivity in the economy as people cannot work.
Benefit Demand Increases
Due to people not being able to work this puts a strain on benefit payments and support
services
Heart disease inherited
Children can also inherit heart disease from their parents leading to problems for future generations.
NHS check ups
National Health Service works to prevent heart disease by ensuring people get regular health check-ups to detect early signs of the disease.
Developments in health care
New techniques such as the use of pacemakers, heart transplants and replacing faulty heart valves with artificial ones allows people to survive heart disease.
Charities
Charities such as the British Heart Foundation have helped to combat heart disease by funding research into both the causes of the disease and potential new ways to treat it
Anti smoking policies
The government has introduced a range of policies including a ban on smoking in public places, banning display of cigarettes in shops and replacing branding with graphic images of smoking related diseases. This has reduced the number of people smoking in Scotland.
Education
Education is used to prevent heart disease. Campaigns such as the “Five a Day” campaign people are encouraged to eat more fresh fruit and veg improve diet and lower the risk of heart disease.
Minimum price for alchohol
The Scottish government introduced a minimum price for a unit of alcohol. This has reduced alcohol consumption in Scotland helping to reduce heart disease. (e.g. 65p per unit)
