Explain how hypertension and athersclerosis are related.? -

Explain how hypertension and athersclerosis are related. name three changes in your lifestyle that might help prevent cardiovascular disease in your old age.

The heart is the PUMP, the blood vessels are the pipes. Arteries conduct blood away from the heart and are thick walled and muscular. Veins conduct blood to the heard and are thin walled and extensible. Atherosclerosis: The most common disease of the heart is called coronary artery disease. This disease is also known as atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries. a progressive disease of the blood vessels (arteries: arteriosclerosis) and starts at a young age. Problems?. Intimal damage caused by cellular infiltration with cholesterol collection. This results in a decrease in lumen diameter. 50 to 70% blockage of the lumen will result in problems with flow and therefore blood supply. This results in ischemia (Heart: angina, Brain: TIA) Rupture of the atherosclerotic plaque results in intimal (endothelial) damage and will cause thrombus (clot) formation and totally block the vessel. This is bad. This results in infarction in the organ (Heart: MI, Brain: stroke, leg: amputation). Risk factors? a. hypertension b. diabetes (very high risk due to altered metabolism) c. hyperlipidemia d. smoking e. family history Minimizing the Risks of Cardiovascular Disease? Stop smoking Start exercising Healthy eating Dietary Sodium Reduction Dietary Sugar Reduction Learning to cope with stress Risk factors you can change: Your heart health depends a lot on the lifestyle you choose. If you re aware of the risk factors you can change, you can make changes that will help reduce your risk of developing heart disease. The risks The changes Smoking Stop smoking. High-fat diet Limit your fat intake. High blood cholesterol levels Reduce your blood cholesterol to recommended levels. Overweight Reduce to and maintain a healthy weight. Physical Inactivity Engage in regular physical activity. Hypertension Reduce to and maintain your blood pressure at a normal level. Take care as always!