Non-Communicable Diseases

Question 1

Non-communicable diseases are not spread by pathogens, instead they are associated with risk factors.

Describe what is meant by a ‘risk factor’ for a disease.

Answer 1

A factor associated with an increased likelihood of getting a disease

Question 2

Many non-communicable diseases are caused by several different risk factors interacting with each other.

Give some examples of these types of diseases.

Answer 2

• Cardiovascular disease
• Liver and lung diseases
• Many forms of cancer
• Diseases influenced by nutrition

Question 3

What is cardiovascular disease?

Answer 3

The term for any disease associated with your heart or blood vessels

Question 4

(Exam-style question)

Answer 4

Question 5

Explain how smoking can cause cardiovascular disease.

Answer 5

• Nicotine in cigarettes increases heart rate, which increases blood pressure
• High blood pressure damages artery walls, contributing to the build up of fatty deposits in the arteries
• This restricts blood flow and increases the risk of a heart attack or stroke

Question 6

Describe how drinking too much alcohol can cause liver disease.

Answer 6

• When alcohol is broken down in the liver, toxic products are released
• Too many of these toxic products can cause liver disease, e.g. cirrhosis

Question 7

What lifestyle factor can cause diseases associated with malnutrition?

Answer 7

A diet with too many or too few nutrients

Question 8

Describe the effects non-communicable diseases have on local areas.

Answer 8

• There’s likely to be high rates of certain non-communicable diseases in areas where there are high levels of obesity, smoking or excess alcohol consumption
• This can put pressure on the resources (money, beds, staff) of local hospitals

Question 9

Describe the effects of non-communicable diseases on a national level.

Answer 9

• These diseases are costly at a national level because the NHS provides resources for the treatment of patients all over UK
• People suffering from a certain disease may not be able to work - reduction in the number of people able to work can affect a country’s economy

Question 10

Describe the effects of non-communicable diseases on a global level.

Answer 10

• In developing countries, malnutrition is a major issue as many people are unable to access enough food
• The high cost and occurrence of these diseases can hold back the development of a country