L1 Joe the Diver

Question 1

Non-modifiable CVD risk factors

Answer 1

• Family history
• Age
• Gender (premenopausal women, less prone to CVD)
• Ethnic background

Question 2

Modifiable CVD risk factors:

Answer 2

• Physical inactivity (sedentary behaviour)
• Dyslipidaemia
 o Elevated total cholesterol or LDL
 o Elevated triglycerides
 o Low HDL
• Hypertension
• Cigarette smoking
• Obesity (central/abdominal)
• Hyperglycaemia or diabetes

Question 3

Benefits of Exercise

Answer 3

• Increases insulin sensitivity
• Decreases body fat
• Decreases circulating stress hormones - lowers blood pressure
• Lowers triglycerides
• Overall lowering of metabolic syndrome

Question 4

Role of exercise in CVD

Answer 4

• Prevention
 o Primary: CAD
 o Secondary: Cardiac rehab
• Affects disease pathogenesis
 o e.g. Atherosclerotic plaque
• Improves symptoms of disease
 o e.g. increases angina threshold
• Improves physiological function
 o e.g. increases VO2 peak, stimulate release of NO
• Improves QOL (improves functional capacity)
• Affects prognosis

Question 5

Effects of physical inactivity

Answer 5

Physical inactivity causes abdominal adiposity, and can lead to many different diseases (insulin resistance, atherosclerosis, neurodegeneration, tumour growth, diabetes, depression)