BRAINCAKE

Cardiovascular Diseases

Edexcel AS-level BiologyTopic 16 of 1720 lessons

Revision notes for Cardiovascular Diseases in Edexcel Biology (8BI0). Read the start of any lesson here, then sign in free for the whole lesson, the R.E.C.I.P.E. recall steps and the quiz.

  1. Cardiovascular Diseases in the UKCardiovascular disease (CVD) is the general term for diseases of the heart and blood vessels.
  2. AtherosclerosisAtherosclerosis is the hardening and narrowing of arteries caused by the build-up of fatty deposits in their walls.
  3. AneurysmsAn aneurysm is a balloon-like swelling of an artery wall.
  4. Raised Blood PressureBlood pressure is the pressure of the blood on the walls of the arteries.
  5. Heart DiseaseThe heart muscle needs a constant supply of oxygen and glucose for aerobic respiration.
  6. AnginaAngina is chest pain caused by the heart muscle not receiving enough oxygen.
  7. ThrombosisThrombosis is the formation of a blood clot, called a thrombus, inside an intact blood vessel.
  8. Heart AttacksA heart attack, or myocardial infarction, happens when the blood supply to part of the heart muscle is cut off.
  9. StrokesA stroke happens when the blood supply to part of the brain is disrupted.
  10. EpidemiologyEpidemiology is the study of the patterns and causes of disease in populations.
  11. RiskRisk is the probability that an unwanted event, such as developing a disease, will happen.
  12. Non-modifiable Risk FactorsSome risk factors for CVD cannot be changed.
  13. Modifiable Risk FactorsModifiable risk factors are those that a person can change, usually through their lifestyle or with medical treatment.
  14. Smoking and AtherosclerosisSmoking is one of the most important modifiable risk factors for atherosclerosis.
  15. Exercise and AtherosclerosisA lack of physical activity (a sedentary lifestyle) increases the risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease (CVD).
  16. Weight and AtherosclerosisBeing overweight or obese increases the risk of atherosclerosis and CVD.
  17. Stress and AtherosclerosisStress is the body's response to situations it sees as challenging or threatening.
  18. Diet and AtherosclerosisDiet affects the risk of atherosclerosis mainly through blood cholesterol, blood pressure and body mass.
  19. Links Between Factors, Correlation and CausationRisk factors for CVD rarely act alone.
  20. Preventing AtherosclerosisThe risk of atherosclerosis can be reduced by lifestyle changes and, where risk is high, by medical treatment.

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