CHRONIC DISEASES [CSEC BIOLOGY & CSEC HSB]

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SYLLABUS REFERENCE 

CSEC HSB 

[D9] discuss chronic / lifestyle-related diseases; 

CSEC BIOLOGY 

[B10.5] discuss the treatment and control of the four main groups of disease. 

DEFINITION

Chronic diseases are long term medical conditions that often get worse over time. 
They are non-communicable diseases. Many are also considered lifestyle-related diseases. 


Lifestyle (-Related) Diseases 

'Lifestyle' because certain practices & behaviours contribute to the development of the disease in an individual. 
Note, however, that these practices are not the only contributing factors. Others include:
  • Age 
  • Gender 
  • Inherited traits 

The Challenge of Dealing with Lifestyle Diseases in a Community, from the Perspective of Public Health Professionals 


OBESITY 

This is a form of malnutrition. 
A person is considered obese once they have accumulated so much body fat that it has a negative effect on their health. 



An obese person is also at increased risk for other serious diseases, such as:
  • Type II Diabetes 
  • Hypertension (secondary) 
  • Stroke 
  • Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) 

Obesity in Children 






DIABETES MELLITUS 




Signs & Symptoms 

These apply to both Type I and Type II 
  • Higher than normal blood glucose level 
  • Excessive thirst & extreme hunger 
  • Frequent urination 
  • Glucose in the urine 
  • Unexplained weight loss 
  • Fatigue 
  • Blurred vision 
  • Slow-healing wounds 

Treatment & Prevention 

The following applies to both Types 
  • A healthy diet 
    • Low in sugar & saturated fats 
    • High in dietary fibre 
  • Regular exercise 
  • Regular medical checkups
Type I in Particular 
  • Treatment via regular insulin injections or an insulin pump 
  • Regular monitoring of blood glucose levels 
Type II in Particular 
  • Oral medication to help lower blood glucose levels 
  • Weight management 

CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE (CVD)

A group of conditions that affects the heart & blood vessels. 
It includes hypertension and coronary heart disease (CHD). 

Hypertension 


Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) 


This is a condition caused by the build-up of fatty material - aka plaque - inside coronary arteries. 
The plaque reduces the internal diameter of the coronary arteries and causes the blood pressure in the arteries to increase. A blood clot may then form in one of the narrow arteries, blocking it. This can then lead to a myocardial infarction (heart attack). 

Coronary arteries: 
Arteries that supply oxygenated blood to the heart muscle cells. 

Atherosclerosis: 
The process by which plaque is deposited in the lining of the arteries. 


Treatment & Prevention of CVDs 

The following applies to both hypertension & coronary heart disease 
  • Weight management 
  • A healthy diet 
    • Low in saturated fats 
    • Low in salt 
  • Regular exercise 
  • Stopping smoking 
Hypertension in Particular 
  • Prescription drugs to lower blood pressure 
  • Stress management 
  • Reduced alcohol consumption 
Coronary Heart Disease in Particular 
  • Coronary artery bypass surgery (aka heart bypass surgery) 
  • A daily low-dose aspirin to prevent blood clot formation (ages 40 - 59, age 60+ should avoid) hyperlink to article outlining the research. 

IMPORTANCE OF DIET & EXERCISE TO MANAGING OR PREVENTING LIFESTYLE DISEASES 

A healthy, balanced diet:

  • ensures that excess carbohydrates & fats are not consumed 
  • limits weight gain 
  • helps with the maintenance of normal heart rate & blood pressure. 


Regular aerobic exercise:  

  • Limits weight gain 
  • Promotes more efficient gaseous exchange & faster metabolic rate 
  • Promotes increase in muscle size & strength 
  • Improves mental health, as it helps reduce depression & anxiety, and boosts self esteem. 


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