Risk and Risk Factors

Question 1

Define correlation.

Answer 1

The proven relationship between two variables. (e.g potential risk factors and occurrence of disease)

Question 2

Define causation.

Answer 2

The proven link between a cause and an outcome/disease

Question 3

Define null hypothesis.

Answer 3

When scientists assume, for the sake of argument, that there is no link between the 2 variables they are investigating in order to eliminate biases.

Question 4

What are the risk factors for CHD?

Answer 4

• High blood pressure
• Obesity
• Dietary factors
• Smoking
• Blood cholesterol
• Genetic inheritance (multifactoral genetic predisposition)
• Lack of exercise

Question 5

What is a cohort study?

Answer 5

A group of people who are followed over time to see who develops the disease.

Question 6

What is a case control/comparative study?

Answer 6

A group of people who have the disease are compared to a group of people that do not.

Question 7

What are the factors that affect the perception of risk?

Answer 7

• Involuntary (not under their control)
• Not natural
• Unfamiliar
• Dreaded/irrational fear
• Unfair
• Very small

Question 8

How can diet increase the risk of CVD?

Answer 8

• Diet high in saturated fat increases risk of CVD because it increases blood cholesterol levels which increases atheroma formation.
• Diet high in salt increases risk of high blood pressure

Question 9

How does smoking increase the risk of CVD?

Answer 9

• Carbon monoxide combines with haemoglobin instead of oxygen and reduces amount of oxygen transported in blood. This reduces amount of oxygen available to tissues.
• Nicotine makes platelets sticky, increasing chance of blood clots
• Decreases amount of antioxidants in blood, increasing likelihood of cell damage in artery walls, which can lead to atheroma formation.