CHD Risk Factors: List All The Controllable Factors ✓ Solved

CHD Risk Factors 1. List all the controllable risk factors

1. List all the controllable risk factors for coronary heart disease (i.e. smoking) AND explain why they are so dangerous to our hearts. Use a separate paragraph for each risk factor.

2. List the uncontrollable risk factors for Coronary Heart Disease/Coronary Artery Disease (i.e. age).

3. Define the following items:

  • a. Angina Pectoris
  • b. Ischemia
  • c. Atherosclerosis
  • d. Tachycardia
  • e. Bradycardia
  • f. Arrhythmia
  • g. Thrombus
  • h. Embolus
  • i. Aneurysm

4. Explain the flow of blood through the chambers of the heart and to the lungs.

5. What are the signs and symptoms of a heart attack?

6. Explain the roles and differences between the three blood vessels: arteries, veins, and capillaries.

7. Explain normal resting blood pressure ranges for both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

8. List 10 behaviors to decrease a person’s risk of cancer (i.e. use sunscreen).

9. Explain the “ABCD” rules for skin cancer identification. Explain the difference between benign and malignant tumors.

Paper For Above Instructions

Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) remains one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality globally. Understanding the controllable risk factors for CHD can significantly reduce its prevalence and impact. Here's a detailed overview of those factors, their consequences, and additional related health information.

Controllable Risk Factors for Coronary Heart Disease

1. Smoking

Smoking is a primary controllable risk factor for CHD. Tobacco smoke contains harmful chemicals that damage the lining of blood vessels, leading to atherosclerosis — the buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries. This narrows the arteries and restricts blood flow to the heart, increasing the risk of heart attacks and angina. Moreover, nicotine raises heart rate and blood pressure, putting additional strain on the cardiovascular system (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, 2014).

2. High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

Hypertension can lead to CHD by causing damage to the arteries over time. Elevated blood pressure makes the heart work harder, leading to muscle thickening and reduced blood flow. This can result in ischemia, a condition where reduced blood flow causes chest pain and, in severe cases, heart attacks. Managing hypertension through diet, exercise, and medication is crucial for heart health (World Health Organization, 2021).

3. High Cholesterol

Cholesterol plays a critical role in heart disease development. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL), often referred to as "bad" cholesterol, can build up in arteries, increasing the risk of atherosclerosis and heart-related issues. Conversely, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) helps remove cholesterol from the bloodstream. Lifestyle changes, such as a heart-healthy diet and regular exercise, can manage cholesterol levels effectively (American Heart Association, 2020).

4. Inactivity

Lack of physical activity is a significant factor that contributes to obesity, hypertension, and high cholesterol, all of which elevate the risk of CHD. Regular physical activity strengthens the heart muscle, improves circulation, and helps maintain a healthy weight. Adopting a routine that includes at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity weekly can mitigate these risks (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2019).

5. Obesity

Obesity is directly linked to several risk factors, including hypertension, high cholesterol, and diabetes. Excess body weight can lead to inflammation in the body, which plays a role in the development of atherosclerosis. Reducing body weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise can significantly decrease the risk of developing CHD (National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, 2021).

Uncontrollable Risk Factors for Coronary Heart Disease

  • Age: The risk of CHD increases as individuals age, particularly for men over 45 and women over 55.
  • Family History: A family history of heart disease increases an individual's risk of developing CHD.
  • Gender: Men generally have a higher risk than pre-menopausal women, though the risk increases for women after menopause.

Definitions of Related Health Terms

Angina Pectoris

Angina pectoris is chest pain or discomfort caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscle, often triggered by physical exertion or stress.

Ischemia

Ischemia refers to the insufficient blood supply to an organ or tissue, often leading to pain, particularly in the heart.

Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is a condition characterized by the hardening and narrowing of the arteries due to plaque buildup, which increases the risk of heart attack.

Tachycardia

Tachycardia is an abnormally rapid heart rate, usually over 100 beats per minute, which can be dangerous if sustained.

Bradycardia

Bradycardia is a slower than normal heart rate, typically below 60 beats per minute, which can indicate underlying health issues.

Arrhythmia

Arrhythmia refers to irregular heartbeats that can disrupt normal blood flow and lead to severe complications.

Thrombus

A thrombus is a blood clot that forms in a blood vessel and can obstruct blood flow, potentially leading to heart attacks.

Embolus

An embolus is a traveling clot (or other substance) that can block blood vessels in the heart or brain.

Aneurysm

An aneurysm is a bulging weakened area in an artery wall that can rupture, causing internal bleeding or other serious complications.

Blood Flow Through the Heart

The heart comprises four chambers: the right and left atria and the right and left ventricles. Blood flow initiates in the right atrium, where deoxygenated blood from the body enters via the superior and inferior vena cava. It then passes into the right ventricle and is pumped to the lungs through the pulmonary arteries for oxygenation. Oxygen-rich blood returns to the left atrium via the pulmonary veins, moves into the left ventricle, and is subsequently pumped out to the body through the aorta.

Signs and Symptoms of a Heart Attack

Common signs of a heart attack include chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, nausea, and lightheadedness. Many people also experience discomfort in the arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach (American Heart Association, 2020).

Roles and Differences Between Blood Vessels

Arteries carry oxygen-rich blood away from the heart to the body. They have thick, elastic walls to withstand high pressure. Veins transport deoxygenated blood back to the heart, featuring thinner walls and valves to prevent backflow. Capillaries are microscopic vessels that facilitate the exchange of oxygen, carbon dioxide, nutrients, and waste between blood and tissues.

Normal Blood Pressure Ranges

Normal resting blood pressure is typically around 120/80 mmHg. The systolic pressure (top number) measures the pressure in arteries during heartbeats while the diastolic pressure (bottom number) measures the pressure between beats. Hypertensive levels are classified as elevated if they are consistently 130/80 mmHg or higher (American College of Cardiology, 2021).

Behavioral Recommendations to Decrease Cancer Risk

  • Use sunscreen and protective clothing.
  • Avoid smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke.
  • Maintain a healthy weight.
  • Engage in regular physical activity.
  • Consume a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
  • Limit alcohol consumption.
  • Practice safe sex to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections.
  • Get vaccinated against cancer-related viruses (e.g., HPV).
  • Schedule regular cancer screenings.
  • Avoid prolonged exposure to UV radiation.

ABCD Rules for Skin Cancer Identification

The ABCD rule for identifying melanoma includes:

  • Asymmetry: One half of the mole does not match the other.
  • Border: Edges are irregular, ragged, or blurred.
  • Color: The color is not uniform and may include different shades of brown, tan, or black.
  • Diameter: The mole is larger than 6mm (the size of a pencil eraser).

Benign tumors do not invade neighboring tissues or spread, while malignant tumors can invade surrounding tissues and metastasize, posing greater health risks.

References

  • American Heart Association. (2020). Heart Attack Symptoms. Retrieved from https://www.heart.org
  • American College of Cardiology. (2021). Blood Pressure Guidelines. Retrieved from https://www.acc.org
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2019). Physical Activity Basics. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov
  • National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2021). Obesity and Heart Disease. Retrieved from https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov
  • U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. (2014). The Health Consequences of Smoking. Retrieved from https://www.surgeongeneral.gov
  • World Health Organization. (2021). Hypertension Fact Sheet. Retrieved from https://www.who.int
  • American Cancer Society. (2020). Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Facts & Figures 2020-2021.
  • National Cancer Institute. (2021). Understanding Cancer Risk. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.gov
  • Skin Cancer Foundation. (2020). Skin Cancer Prevention Guidelines. Retrieved from https://www.skincancer.org
  • National Institutes of Health. (2021). Heart Disease. Retrieved from https://www.nih.gov

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