The effect of lifestyle on some non-communicable diseases: The effects of diet, smoking and exercise on cardiovascular disease.

The idea

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) affects the heart and blood vessels. Diet high in saturated fat raises LDL cholesterol, which forms fatty plaques in coronary arteries, narrowing them and reducing oxygen supply to heart muscle, causing angina or heart attack. Smoking damages artery lining, raises blood pressure and makes platelets stickier, increasing clot risk. Regular exercise lowers blood pressure, improves cholesterol balance and helps maintain a healthy weight, reducing CVD risk. A diet rich in fruit, vegetables and unsaturated fats also lowers risk. These effects can be explained by describing how each factor changes the structure or function of blood vessels.

What earns the marks

• Describe how a diet high in saturated fat raises LDL cholesterol and leads to plaque formation in coronary arteries.
• Explain that narrowed coronary arteries reduce oxygen delivery to heart muscle, causing angina or heart attack.
• State that smoking damages artery lining, raises blood pressure and increases clot formation.
• Explain that regular exercise lowers blood pressure, improves cholesterol balance and helps maintain a healthy weight.
• Link each lifestyle factor to a reduced or increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

Common mistakes and how to put them right

• Confusing LDL and HDL cholesterol.

  Put it right by stating LDL is harmful and HDL is beneficial.

• Saying exercise directly removes plaques.

  Put it right by explaining it lowers risk factors such as blood pressure and cholesterol.

• Describing smoking as only affecting lungs.

  Put it right by explaining its effects on blood vessels and clot formation.

Exam tips

• Name the specific blood vessel affected, such as the coronary arteries.
• Use terms such as plaque, cholesterol, blood pressure and clot accurately.
• For each factor, state whether it increases or decreases CVD risk and why.