Describe the prevalence of CVD and the development of coronary heart disease beginning with the process of atherosclerosis. What are the risk factors associated with CVD? What can you do to prevent the risk factors from occurring?

What will be an ideal response?


Atherosclerosis is a buildup of plaque in the endothelium of the blood vessel wall. The areas affected include the heart (coronary heart disease, or CHD), the brain (cerebral vascular disease leading to stroke), and blood vessels in the legs (peripheral arterial disease, or PAD). Atherosclerotic lesions begin to form in childhood and adolescence and gradually develop through the decades. Lesions remain asymptomatic until the thickening wall reduces blood flow leading to ischemia, or a lesion ruptures and a blood clot forms resulting in a heart attack (myocardial infarction) or stroke.Risk factors include dyslipidemia, high blood pressure, lifestyle factors (diet, physical inactivity, and smoking), genetics, and emotional stress. Prevention includes following a cardio-protective diet that emphasizes plant foods, appropriate fats, fish, poultry, legumes, nuts, and low-fat dairy. Lifestyle changes including exercise and non-smoking behaviors should also be instituted.

Nutritional Science

You might also like to view...

Why are some of the symptoms of type 1 diabetes and type 2

diabetes similar?

Nutritional Science

Knowing the role of vitamin K in the body, in what organ would you expect to find it in large quantities?

a. Liver b. Pancreas c. Gallbladder d. Small intestine

Nutritional Science

Which of the following conditions results in fat malabsorption but with no need for a dietary fat restriction?

a. Celiac disease b. Pancreatitis c. Cystic fibrosis d. Crohn's disease

Nutritional Science

Which of the following tools for gathering dietary information is prospective in nature?

a. 24-hour recall b. food frequency questionnaire c. food record d. usual intake pattern

Nutritional Science