Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors

Study Notes

Diet & Health

Reducing Risk Factors of CVD: Lifestyle factors, like diet, can increase cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. CVD affects the heart and blood vessels.
CVD Risk Factors: Factors linked to an increased CVD risk include: atherosclerosis (plaque build-up), thrombosis (blood clots), and other factors like genetics, lifestyle, and substances in the environment.
Lifestyle factors: Diet high in saturated fat increases blood cholesterol, thus increasing atheroma and thrombosis. High salt intake increases blood pressure, also contributing to atheroma and thrombosis. Smoking reduces blood oxygen and increases platelet stickiness, increasing risk of thrombosis.
Genetic Predisposition: Genetic factors can make individuals more susceptible to high blood pressure or blood cholesterol, increasing CVD risk.
Age and Biological Sex: CVD risk increases with age due to blood vessel weakening. Men are three times more likely to experience CVD than pre-menopausal women; this likely stems from hormone differences.
Dietary Antioxidants & CVD: While initial research suggested antioxidants in fruits and vegetables reduce CVD risk, recent analysis indicates insufficient evidence. Vitamin C is important for connective tissue.
Core Practical 2 (Investigating Vitamin C Content): Measure vitamin C content in foods using DCPIP (a blue dye that turns colourless in vitamin C's presence). Prepare known vitamin C solutions (serial dilutions) and measure the volume required to decolourise known concentrations of DCPIP. Plot a calibration curve (volume vs concentration) to determine unknown values (e.g. in juices).

Interpreting Data on Risk Factors

Quantitative Data: Analyzing illness and mortality data to determine correlations between factors. Important to distinguish correlation from causation.

Designing Studies into the Effects of Risk Factors

Good Study Features: Representative sampling (large, random), controlling variables, reliable data that can be reproduced, and avoiding bias.
Control Groups: Studies include control groups to compare results with those who don't receive the treatment, e.g. a placebo.

Perception of Risk vs Actual Risk

Perceived vs. Actual: People's perceptions of risk can differ significantly from the actual probability of a harmful event. Factors like media portrayal, personal experiences, and enjoyment of an activity can influence perceived risk.

Data on Cholesterol & Lipoproteins

Cholesterol: Cholesterol, a type of lipid, is crucial for cell function, but high levels increase CVD risk.
High-density Lipoproteins (HDLs): Carry cholesterol to the liver for disposal, lowering overall blood cholesterol. These are considered "good cholesterol."
Low-density Lipoproteins (LDLs): Transport cholesterol to the cells (and when too high increase risk of plaque build-up). These are considered "bad cholesterol."

Data on Effect of Diet

Diet and CVD: Scientific studies have linked a high-saturated-fat diet to increased CVD risk. Food labels provide information like traffic lights or sugar content.
Obesity and CVD: Obesity is correlated with a higher risk of CVD. Measurements like waist-to-hip ratio and BMI are used to assess obesity.

Treatments for CVD – Benefits & Risks

Antihypertensives: Lower blood pressure to reduce arterial damage and lower thrombosis risk (e.g., beta-blockers, vasodilators, diuretics).
Statins: Reduce LDL cholesterol levels, lowering atheroma development risk.
Anticoagulants: Reduce blood clotting, minimizing the risk of thrombosis. (e.g., Warfarin).
Platelet Inhibitors: Prevent blood clot formation (e.g., aspirin, clopidogrel).