Discuss how cigarette smoking contributes to the development of CVD
What will be an ideal response?
Smoking prompts the release of nicotine and another 1,200 toxic compounds into the bloodstream. Similar to hypertension, many of these substances are destructive to the inner membrane that protects the walls of the arteries. Once the lining is damaged, cholesterol and triglycerides can be deposited readily in the arterial wall. As the plaque builds up, it obstructs blood flow through the arteries. Smoking encourages the formation of blood clots, which can completely block an artery already narrowed by atherosclerosis. In addition, carbon monoxide, a byproduct of cigarette smoke, decreases the blood's oxygen-carrying capacity. A combination of obstructed arteries, less oxygen, and nicotine in the heart muscle heightens the risk for a serious heart problem. Smoking also increases heart rate, raises blood pressure, and irritates the heart, which can trigger fatal cardiac arrhythmias. Another harmful effect is a decrease in HDL cholesterol, the "good" type that helps control blood lipids. Smoking actually presents a much greater risk of death from heart disease than from lung disease.
You might also like to view...
A medical term that means pertaining to the ovary is ________.
Fill in the blank(s) with the appropriate word(s).
When cocaine effects wear off, blood pressure and respiration decrease below normal levels.
Answer the following statement true (T) or false (F)
Jill's point-of-service health plan encourages her to stay within an approved network of providers and does not require obtaining a ________ before making an appointment
A) minimum out-of-pocket payment B) cost estimate C) permission slip D) referral
Personality disorder in which the individual is emotional, immature, and dependent, often exhibiting irrational outbursts and flamboyant behavior:
a. Antisocial b. Paranoid c. Histrionic d. Narcissistic e. Schizoid