non-communicable diseases Flashcards
What is a non-communicable disease?
A disease which cannot spread from person to person.
Why can the presence of one disease lead to a higher chance of suffering from another disease?
Because the immune system may be damaged, or the body may already be using energy to fight the disease.
What is a risk factor?
An aspect of someones life which makes them more likely to develop a disease.
What is a risk factor for liver disease?
Drinking alcohol
What is a risk factor for lung cancer?
Smoking
What are risk factors for cardiovascular disease?
smoking, high BMI, genetics
What is obesity?
Where a person is severely overweight.
What causes obesity?
Poor diet, lack of exercise, genetics, illness
How is BMI calculated?
BMI = weight / height^2
How is waist:hip ratio calculated?
waist / hip
Which parts of the body are affected by cardiovascular disease?
Heart and blood vessels
What causes cardiovascular disease?
Blood vessels become blocked due to fatty build up
What are some of the ways cardiovascular disease can be treated?
lifestyle changes, medication such as statins, stents, heart bypass surgery, heart transplant
What is a stent?
a mesh which is inserted into a blood vessel and inflated using a balloon. The mesh holds the blood vessel open.
