CHRONIC DISEASES [CSEC BIOLOGY & CSEC HSB]

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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