HSS1101 - Determinants of Health Final Exam

What is addiction?

A disruption of the brain's reward, motivation, and memory systems causing compulsive substance abuse despite harmful consequences.

What is substance misuse?

The use of a substance inconsistent with medical or legal guidelines, such as taking painkillers to get high.

What are the DSM-5 criteria for substance use disorder?

There are 11 criteria, with severity classified as mild (2-3 criteria), moderate (4-5 criteria), or severe (6+ criteria).

What is tolerance in the context of addiction?

The need for increasing amounts of a substance to achieve the same high due to changes in the brain.

What are some examples of behavioral addictions?

Problem gambling, video game addiction, compulsive exercising, compulsive eating, work addiction, sex addiction, compulsive buying, and internet addiction.

What factors contribute to the allure of drugs?

Peer influence, mood alteration, escape from boredom, anxiety, and distressing symptoms.

How does living in poverty affect drug use?

It magnifies problems related to mental health and increases the likelihood of drug misuse.

What are some physical factors influencing drug effects?

Body mass, general health, genetic factors, and drug interactions.

What psychological factors influence drug response?

User expectations and the placebo effect, where expectations can have a greater effect than the drug itself.

What are some social factors that affect drug experience?

The setting in which the drug is used, such as a comfortable home versus a party or laboratory setting.

What are opioids used for?

To relieve pain, cause drowsiness, and induce euphoria.

What are the risks associated with opioid misuse?

Addiction and overdose, which can lead to death, especially with substances like fentanyl.

What are central nervous system depressants?

Drugs that reduce anxiety and cause mood changes, including tranquilizers and sedative-hypnotics.

What are the effects of overdosing on CNS depressants?

Slowed respiration and intensified effects when combined with other depressants like alcohol.

What are amphetamines commonly known as?

Uppers, which are potent stimulants that can lead to euphoria and addiction.

What are the short-term effects of cannabis?

Euphoria, heightened sensory experiences, and a relaxed attitude.

What are the long-term effects of cannabis use?

Impaired memory, attention lapses, respiratory damage, and potential addiction.

What is the estimated addiction rate among cannabis users?

About 1/3 of users may become addicted.

What was the Cannabis Act in Canada?

Legislation that legalized cannabis in June 2018, allowing for the sale of edible products and concentrates in October 2019.

What are the costs of drug use in Canada?

$9.2 billion

What are some strategies for preventing drug misuse?

Developing resistance to peer pressure and educating about the adverse effects of drug use.

What role does self-esteem play in drug use?

Positive self-esteem and assertive independent thinking are associated with fewer use of it.

What is the impact of drug exposure during pregnancy?

Children born to addicted mothers may face long-term health issues.

What psychological factors can lead to addiction?

Expectations of drug effects and the influence of social settings.

What is the relationship between drug misuse and income levels?

Drug misuse and addiction occur across all income levels and age groups.

What is the significance of the opioid crisis in Canada?

Disproportionate effects on First Nations peoples and a significant increase in overdoses during COVID-19.

What are the effects of hallucinogens?

Altered perceptions and experiences, with examples including psilocybin, LSD, and MDMA.

What percentage of deaths from cardiovascular disease (CVD) is attributable to smoking?

About 15.7%

How does smoking affect the cardiovascular system?

It damages the lining of arteries, reduces high-density lipoproteins, raises triglycerides and low-density lipoproteins, increases blood pressure and heart rate, and causes platelets to stick together.

What are smokers’ risk of heart attack and stroke?

They have twice the risk (1 pack/day) compared to non-smokers.

What is considered high blood pressure?

Hypertension, with a cardiovascular risk increasing over 120/80.

What is atherosclerosis?

It is the increased resistance of blood flow in the arteries, causing the heart to work harder.

What health risks are associated with hypertension?

Increases risk of heart attack, congestive heart failure, stroke, kidney failure, and blindness.

What is essential hypertension?

Hypertension due to a mixture of genetic and environmental factors.

What is secondary hypertension?

Hypertension usually caused by an underlying illness.

What lifestyle changes can help control primary hypertension?

Maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, eating a healthy diet, quitting smoking, and moderating alcohol intake.

What is cholesterol and why is it important?

Cholesterol is a fatty wax-like substance important for cell membranes, sex hormones, vitamin D, and myelin.

What are the two types of lipoproteins that influence heart disease?

Low Density Lipoprotein (bad cholesterol) and High Density Lipoprotein (good cholesterol).

At what age should cholesterol screening begin in Canada?

Starting at age 40 for men and women.

What factors contribute to elevated triglyceride levels?

Excess body fat, physical inactivity, cigarette smoking, Type-2 diabetes, excess alcohol intake, and very high carbohydrate diets.

What is metabolic syndrome?

• A condition (pre-disease state) where individuals become RESISTANT TO INSULIN

  • abdominal (visceral) obesity, hypertension, elevated serum triglycerides, low serum high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and insulin resistance

• As a result, have a “BROKEN”/DYSFUNCTIONAL METABOLISM

• Why?: bcs insulin → lowers blood sugar upon increase from eating

• Cause: often due to physical inactivity.

How does obesity affect cardiovascular disease risk?

As fat mass increases, the risk of CVD increases, leading to conditions like hypertension and congestive heart failure.

What is the recommended sodium intake for adults?

1500 milligrams, while most Canadians consume about 3500 milligrams per day.

What is the impact of diabetes on cardiovascular disease risk?

Diabetes increases the risk of CVD by 2-4 times and can damage endothelial cells lining the arteries.

What is the relationship between physical inactivity and cardiovascular health?

Physical inactivity is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

What is the benefit of controlling cholesterol levels?

Increasing HDL may reverse deposits on artery walls and reduce the risk of heart disease.

What is the effect of inflammation on arteries?

Injury to an artery triggers inflammation as part of the body's response.

What system is activated when a person experiences stress?

The sympathetic system

What response is triggered by the activation of the sympathetic system during stress?

The flight or fright response

What is the relationship between chronic hostility and heart disease?

Hostility, cynicism, and anger are associated with increased risk of heart disease.

How much does the risk of heart attack increase for people prone to anger?

Three times the heart attack risk.

What is the effect of suppressing psychological distress on heart disease risk?

Hiding psychological distress is associated with higher rates of heart disease.

How does depression affect cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk?

• It increases the risk of CVD in healthy individuals

• Is common in patients that have it AND also have coronary heart disease.

What is a common symptom of anxiety in patients after a cardiac event?

Unexplained chest pain.

What impact does social isolation have on cardiovascular disease?

Social isolation & low social support = more risk of it.

How can high levels of social support affect outcomes after heart failure?

They can reduce death by 30% after heart failure.

What lifestyle factors contribute to the increased risk of CVD in individuals with low socioeconomic status?

Lifestyle choices and access to healthcare.

What effect does excessive alcohol consumption have on cardiovascular health?

It raises blood pressure and increases the risk of stroke and heart failure.

What is the risk of developing coronary artery disease (CAD) if a relative has it?

It doubles the risk of developing CAD.

What percentage of people who die from heart attacks are aged 65+?

80-85%.

How does the incidence of stroke change for individuals over 55?

The incidence of stroke doubles for each successive decade.

What is the relationship between sex and heart attack risk?

Men face a greater risk of heart attack compared to women.

What is a significant risk factor for women with diabetes regarding CVD?

Women with diabetes have a greater risk of having CVD.

What can happen if the heart, brain, or other organs are deprived of blood due to atherosclerosis?

It can lead to fatal outcomes such as a heart attack or stroke.

What are the main risk factors for atherosclerosis?

Smoking, physical inactivity, high blood cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes.

What is the average age for a first heart attack in Canada?

71 years old.

What are some common signs and symptoms of a heart attack?

Chest discomfort, sweating, upper body discomfort, nausea, shortness of breath, light-headedness, fear, and anxiety.

Can women experience different symptoms during a heart attack compared to men?

Yes, women may experience different symptoms.

What is angina pectoris?

Pain resulting from narrowed arteries = do not deliver enough oxygen to heart during stress or exertion.

• severe pain in chest because of decrease blood flow to the heart

What does an arrhythmia indicate?

A disruption in electrical conduction causing irregular heartbeats.

What is tachycardia?

An abnormally fast heart rate.

What is bradycardia? (brady is chill)

An abnormally slow heart rate.

What are nonsurgical treatments for heart disease?

Diet modification, increased physical activity, and low-dose aspirin.

What is coronary bypass surgery?

A surgical technique where a vein is grafted onto the aorta to bypass a blockage.

What is an ischemic stroke?

A stroke caused by a blockage in a blood vessel supplying blood to the brain.

What causes a hemorrhagic stroke?

A burst blood vessel in the brain, often due to trauma or an aneurysm.

What is a transient ischemic attack (TIA)?

A temporary episode producing stroke-like symptoms that do not cause permanent damage.

What is congestive heart failure?

A condition where the heart cannot pump blood effectively, leading to fluid buildup.

What are common congenital heart defects?

Holes in the interventricular septum and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

What is rheumatic heart disease?

Heart damage caused by rheumatic fever, often affecting children aged 5-15.

How does increased fiber intake affect heart health?

It slows blood clotting, traps bile, and may reduce heart attack risk by 40-50%.

What is the recommended sodium intake to reduce blood pressure?

2300 milligrams per day.

What is the effect of moderate alcohol consumption on cardiovascular disease?

It may reduce the risk of CVD, but excessive use poses significant health risks.

What dietary factors can affect coronary artery disease (CAD)?

Omega-3 fatty acids and plant-based foods.

What is the recommended exercise to reduce CVD risk?

Regular moderate physical activity and strength training.

What is the number one risk factor for cardiovascular disease?

Smoking.

What should you know about managing blood pressure?

Have it measured annually and use medications if lifestyle changes are insufficient.

Why is it important to manage cholesterol levels?

People over 40 should monitor cholesterol to maintain heart health.

What strategies can help manage stress and anger related to CVD?

Develop effective coping strategies and strengthen social support networks.

What is the leading cause of death in Canada?

Cancer, accounting for 1 in 4 deaths.

What is the estimated likelihood of Canadians developing cancer?

2 in 5 Canadians will develop cancer.

What is a tumour?

A mass of tissue that serves no physiological purpose.

What is the difference between a benign and a malignant tumour?

Benign tumour = harmless → similar to surrounding cells, encased in a membrane

Malignant tumour = harmful → synonymous with cancer + involves rapid uncontrolled cell growth

What is metastasis?

The spreading of cancer cells to invade other tissues.

What are secondary tumours?

New tumours formed from cancer cells that have metastasized.

What is the significance of lymph glands in cancer prognosis?

The number of affected lymph glands is a principal method of determining the outcome and probability of cure.

What does remission mean in cancer treatment?

Signs and symptoms of cancer disappear, and the disease is under control, usually as a result of treatment.

What are the four main types of malignant tumours?

Carcinomas, sarcomas, lymphomas, and leukemias.

What is the chief risk factor for lung cancer?

Tobacco smoke, accounting for 30% of all cancer deaths and 85% of lung cancer deaths.

What percentage of lung cancer cases are diagnosed at an early stage?

If caught early, 71% of patients survive; if caught late (stage 4), only 5% survive.