Question

1-Describe the prevalence of CVD and the development of coronary heart disease beginning

with the process of atherosclerosis.

2-What are the risk factors associated with this ,and what can you do to prevent them from occurring?

Answer 1

Cardio vascular diseases (CVD) are disorders of the heart and blood vessels and include coronary heart disease,Cerebro vascular disease ,Rheumatic Heart disease and other conditions.

1. CVDs have now become the leading cause of mortality worldwide.A quarter of all mortality is attributable to CVD.Ischaemic heart disease and Stroke are the predominent cause and majority of death and are responsible for 80% of CVD deaths.There are reasons to get concerned including its increased build up ,the early age of disease onset and the high case fatality rate.The main reason for the progression of the disease is due to the reversal of socio economic gradients,tobacco use,low fruit and vegetable intake.

The process of Atherosclerosis begins with deposits of fat which block arteries,these deposits are called plaques and they are made upof cholestrol,,fatty substances,cellular waste products,calcium and fibrin.Sometimes these plaques get deposited in the arteries due to a plumping problem.In due time these plaques builds up ,an artery wall gets thicker and the opening narrows,constricting the flow of blood and lowering oxygen supply.Plaques are formed in the large or medium sized artery in the heart ,brain,pelvis,legs ,arms or kidneys and when this happens various diseases may result such as Coronary heart disease,Angina,Carotid artery disease,Peripheral artery disease and Chronic kidney disease. When a plaque is formed two things can happen,one is that a blood clot ie thrombus could form on the plaque surface,the other thing which can happen is that a piece of plaque may break off and carried to the blood stream until it gets stuck.If the blocked artery supplies blood to the heart or brain a heart attack or stroke occurs.if the artery which carrys oxygen is blocked it will result in the formation of gangrene.

2. The risk factors that is associated with CVD are

a.Age: As age increase the chance of getting a heart disease also increases.

b.Sex:Men are at high risk of getting heart disease.

c.Family History:if one of your parent has a history of heart disease ,the chances of getting the similar disease is high.

d.Smoking :Heart attacks are more common in smokers than in non smokers,as Nicotine constricts blood vessels making it more susceptible to atherosclerosis.

e.Poor Diet :If you consume more fat,salt ,sugar and cholestrial containing diets ,it could lead to heart disease.

f.High Blood pressure:it is another factor which contributes for the development of CVD.

g.High blood cholestrol levels:The increase in cholestrol levels can raise the chance of formation of plaques.

h.Diabetes

i.Obesity:Excessive weight gain is a predisposing factor for gaining weight.

j.Stress:Stress could damage your arteries ,worsening the situation.

k.Poor Hygiene: Not maintaining personal hygiene is another contributing factor for the development of CVD.

l.Pysical Inactivity:Lack of excercise also lead to the formation of heart disease.

Certain types of heart diseases could be easily prevented such as

-Maintain a healthy weight.

-Practice good hygiene.

-Reduce and mange stress.

-Quit Smoking

-Control other health conditions such as BP,Cholestrol level and Diabetes

-Daily Excercise.