Non-communicable diseases

What is coronary heart disease?

A layer of fatty material that builds up inside the coronary arteries, narrowing them and resulting in a lack of oxygen for the heart.

What is a stent?

A device inserted into a blocked artery to keep it open, allowing more blood and oxygen to the heart.

What are statins?

Drugs that reduce blood cholesterol levels, slowing the rate of fatty material deposit.

What is a faulty heart valve?

A valve that doesn't open properly or leaks.

How can a faulty heart valve be treated?

Replace with a biological or mechanical valve.

When do heart transplants take place?

In cases of heart failure.

What are artificial hearts used for?

To keep patients alive while waiting for a transplant, or to allow the heart to rest for recovery.

Define health.

A state of physical and mental well-being.

What factors can affect health?

Disease, diet, stress, exercise, life situations.

What is a risk factor?

An aspect of lifestyle or substance in the body that can increase the risk of a disease developing.

Give five risk factors.

Diet, smoking, exercise, alcohol, carcinogens.

What are malignant tumours?

Cancerous tumours that can spread to neighbouring tissues and other parts of the body, forming secondary tumours.

What are benign tumours?

Non-cancerous tumours that do not spread in the body.

What two types of risk factor affect the development of cancers?

Lifestyle and genetic risk factors.

What is cancer?

A result of changes in cells that lead to uncontrolled growth and cell division by mitosis.