Year 9 Health Assignment

Essay by desiresx3 September 2008

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1)What is the medical term for the hardening of arteries and what does it mean?The medical term for the hardening of the arteries is arteriosclerosis. It is when there is a build up of fatty deposits on the inner lining of the arterial wall. The deposits reduce the normal flow of the blood through the artery. As arteriosclerosis progresses, calcium is deposited and scar tissue develops, causing the wall to lose its elasticity.

2)Explain why heart and circulatory diseases have been called 'diseases of prosperity'Heart and circulatory diseases have been called diseases of prosperity because generally rich people get these as they do not have to do hard labour, house work and can afford to eat whatever fatty food they desire. Circulatory and heart diseases are generally caused by inactivity, high fat diet, high blood cholesterol, high salt diet, obesity and alcohol. All these things are what you would expect in rich people.

3)What is cholesterol?Cholesterol is the waxy material present in the blood and tissues, particularly the brain.

4)What is an acceptable cholesterol level?A cholesterol level below 180-190 is ideal.

5)What is good cholesterol?Good cholesterol is HDL as it can remove cholesterol from atheroma within arteries, and transport it back to the liver for excretion or re-utilization.

6)Explain the difference between LDL's and HDL'sIf you have too much LDL(Low Density Lipoprotein) or "bad" cholesterol it builds up on the walls of the arteries that feed your heart and brain. This build up can clog arteries.

HDL (High Density Lipoprotein) or "good" cholesterol protects against heart disease because it carries cholesterol away from the arteries and back to the liver where it can be processed out of your body.

7)How can you reduce your cholesterol levels?To reduce cholesterol levels you must change...