BIOLOGICAL FACTORS

BIOLOGICAL

Factors that relate to the body and its functions which can impact on our health.

·         For each factor, it is useful to know how it can lead to or protect from developing health conditions

·         Can help link conditions to variations in health outcomes that may be experienced by groups of people who have a specific factor in higher or lower levels

Blood pressure:

·         As blood travels around the body a force is placed on the walls of the blood vessels, referred to as blood pressure

·         Can be measured by health professionals, and there is a range that is considered healthy, too low and too high. HBP is related to a health conditions like heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease

·         Activities that can contribute to HBP include smoking, poor diet, lack of physical activity and high levels of stress

Health and Well-being & Health Status EXAMPLE

·         A person may experience headaches or dizziness, which prevents them from being able to attend work. If they aren’t able to go to work, they’re less likely to partake in activities that give their life meaning and purpose, which can reduce their spiritual health and well-being

·         As a result of HBP increased force is exerted on the arteries in the brain, which may burst and cause a stroke. Premature death from a stroke can contribute to reduced life expectancy

Body weight

·         Everyone is a different shape and size, and it can be difficult to just look at how much a person weights to determine the consequences of their health. Organisations commonly use body mass index (BMI) to determine if groups are likely to be carrying excess body weight

·         Can contribute to conditions such as type 2 diabetes, CVD and cancer

Cholesterol levels

·         LDL cholesterol can build up on the walls of the blood vessels in the body, providing less room for blood to travel and this can increase the risk of a heart attack or stroke

·         HDL can help reduce the build up of cholesterol in the blood vessels and reduce the likelihood of these conditions

Glucose regulation

·         Glucose is a type of sugar that the body uses to create energy. When carbohydrates are consumed, it is broken down into glucose which is absorbed into the bloodstream. As glucose levels increase, our body releases insulin to allow our cells to take the glucose into them from the bloodstream to create energy and carry out cellular processes

·         Impaired glucose regulation is when the cells become resistant to the action of insulin and are unable to take up glucose effectively. This leads to increase in glucose in the blood levels, which is a precursor for developing type 2 diabetes