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Lesson Thirteen: Considering Risk Factors for Chronic Diseases: Why Is It Important For You?

Dr. Ches Jones, Ph.D.

Lesson Thirteen Lecture

 

Lesson Thirteen Slides

Readings and Videos

Valves of the Heart[1]

Circulation of the Heart[2]

Coronary Arteries[3]

Mediterranean Diet Could Help Reduce Heart Disease[4]

Study Guide

  • Introduction
    • This lesson explores chronic diseases, focusing on heart disease and cancer, and their risk factors.
    • Chronic diseases develop over long periods, often taking 10-40 years to manifest, and are influenced by both genetic and behavioral factors.\
  • Main Concepts
    • Cardiovascular Disease
      • Includes diseases such as high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, heart failure, stroke, and congenital defects.
      • Key behaviors for ideal cardiovascular health include not smoking, engaging in physical activity, maintaining a healthy diet, and weight.
    • Hypertension
      • Defined by systolic and diastolic blood pressure readings, influenced by age and lifestyle factors like smoking.
    • Cancer
      • Characterized by uncontrolled cell growth, leading to neoplasms or tumors, which can be benign or malignant.
      • Risk factors include tobacco use, poor nutrition, stress, and environmental exposures.
  • Key Points
    • Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in the U.S., with lifestyle choices playing a significant role in risk management.
    • Hypertension and other cardiovascular conditions can be managed through diet and lifestyle modifications.
    • Cancer encompasses a variety of diseases, each with unique risk factors and treatment challenges, emphasizing the importance of early detection and lifestyle choices in prevention.
  • Key Terms and Definitions
    • Cardiovascular Disease: A group of disorders of the heart and blood vessels.
    • Hypertension: High blood pressure, indicated by elevated systolic and diastolic readings.
    • Neoplasm: An abnormal tissue mass, which can be benign or malignant.
    • Metastasis: The spread of cancer cells from the original site to other parts of the body.
  • Summary and Conclusion
    • The lesson highlighted the importance of understanding chronic diseases, their development, and risk factors.
    • Key takeaways include the impact of lifestyle choices on heart disease and cancer risk, and the importance of early detection and management strategies.
    • Overall, a proactive approach to health through lifestyle changes and regular screenings can significantly reduce the risk of chronic diseases.[5]

  1. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2019, September 11). Valves of the heart [Video]. YouTube.https://youtu.be/dly8EGwrVek?si=nTQynxP4ZwrAoJuV
  2. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2019, September 11). Circulation of the heart [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/ZucF5411jF4?si=LfItq-SnGIQFPDNv
  3. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2019, September 11). Coronary arteries [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/QmxZcEHs7HA?si=jMQYkCo5n9OQZLCb
  4. ABC News. (2013, February 25). Mediterranean diet could help reduce heart disease [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/4wzOx3Fhf2E?si=g833FWVxdJ1-1QUB
  5. This study guide was created using ClipGist, a generative AI tool created by Arizona State University on OpenAI's API platform.https://teachonline.asu.edu/asu-online-ai-tools