What is CVD?
Objectives:
• To be able to define Cardiovascular Disease.
• To know the risk factors associated with
Cardiovascular Disease.
• To understand how to lower the risk of
Cardiovascular Disease.
1
Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) A Definition;
Cardiovascular Disease – also known as heart and circulatory disease is the
UK’s biggest killer!
It is an umbrella term covering conditions such as:
Abnormal heart rhythms –
Angina –
Heart attack –
Coronary heart disease –
Heart failure –
All of which, can be very debilitating diseases. The good news is most can
do something about it!
2
Group Task 1
There are a number of factors that increase your risk of developing
Cardiovascular Disease. Some risk factors can be modified. In other words,
we can lower the risk by doing something about them. In groups, put the
following risk factors into either the modifiable and non- modifiable
columns below.
High Cholesterol
Being Overweight
Excessive Alcohol intake
High Blood Pressure
Age
Smoking
Diabetes
Family History of CHD
Ethnic Background
Inactivity or lack of exercise
Unhealthy Diet – high in fat
Modifiable Risk Factors
Non-Modifiable Risk Factors
(Things we can change)
(Things we cannot change)
3
Group Task 2
In the same group, discuss how somebody can modify these risk factors to
become more healthy then using the information below draw a line from
each risk factor to the bubble you think would play an active part in
lowering your risk of CVD.
Healthy Eating
Risk Factors
Being Overweight
Stress
Diabetes
High Blood Pressure
High Cholesterol
Being Inactive
Exercise
SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT!
If you have a fixed risk factor, you may want to make extra effort to tackle
any lifestyle risk factors that can be changed.
Some risk factors are more risky than others – smoking and a high
cholesterol level are probably a greater risk factor to health than obesity!
Risk factors interact, so if you have two or more risk factors the greater the
health risks! For example a 40+ male with high Blood Pressure and high
cholesterol = high risk of CVD before the age of 60!
4
Individual Task
What changes can you make to lower your risk of having a heart attack or
developing Cardiovascular Disease?
Write below 3 healthy changes that you feel that you could realistically
make.
Ask yourself, are the Changes SMART? (Specific, Measureable,
Achievable, Realistic and have you given yourself a Timeframe?)
1)____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
2)____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
3)____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
Remember…… inactive people that start to do moderate physical activity
feel the biggest health benefits. Your health risks will decrease as soon as
you start to do more! (British Heart Foundation - 2011)
Quick Quiz
Tick the correct answer(s). There may be more than one correct answer.
1) Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) is……..
o
o
o
o
The UK’s biggest Killer.
A disease affecting the body’s heart and circulatory system.
Can lead to heart attacks.
More prevalent in South Asian and African Caribbean ethnicities.
2) If you become more physically active you will reduce your risk of Heart
or Cardiovascular Disease?
o True
o False
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3) Which of the following could someone realistically change to lower the
risk of CVD?
o
o
o
o
o
o
Increase the amount of physical activity you presently do.
Change your age.
Reduce your salt intake.
Smoke more.
Smoke less.
Lose weight.
Final Facts:
Statistics in the UK show that:
• Coronary heart disease rates are the highest in South Asian
communities
• Stroke rates are the highest in people of African Caribbean
backgrounds
• You have a higher risk of developing high blood pressure if
you are from an African Caribbean background than all the
ethnic groups in the UK
•
The prevalence of type-2 diabetes in these two ethnic groups is
much higher than in the rest of the population.
(British Heart Foundation – 2011)
Contact Details:
For referrals to any of the following services please contact Nottingham City
NHS Healthy Change.
NHS Healthy Change:
Physical Activity:
Smoking Cessation:
Alcohol Awareness:
0345 6047352
Nottinghamshire YMCA ActiveForLife.
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