Lifestyle Diseases and Cancer

Lifestyle Diseases A non-communicable disease that is not transmitted by another person, a vector, or the environment, and is linked to real risk factors.

Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) A disease that affects the heart or blood vessels. Cardio refers to the heart, and vascular refers to the blood vessels. Approximately 61 million Americans have some form of the disease. CVD’s are responsible for more than 40% of all deaths in the U.S., killing almost a million Americans each year. Worldwide, coronary heart disease kills more than 7 million people each year. An estimated 47% of cardiac deaths occur before emergency services or transport to the hospital.

Types of Cardiovascular Disease Hypertension (high blood pressure) Pressure that is continually above the normal range for a particular person. It is a major risk factor for other types of CVD’s. It can occur at any age, but is most common over the age of 35.

Types of Cardiovascular Disease Considered a “silent killer” with no symptoms in it’s early stages. Can be lowered with medications, weight management, adequate physical activity, and proper nutrition

Types of Cardiovascular Disease Atherosclerosis A disease characterized by the accumulation of plaque on artery walls. People with atherosclerosis have a condition called arteriosclerosis, hardened arteries with reduced elasticity.

Types of Cardiovascular Disease Factors such as tobacco smoke, hypertension, and high cholesterol levels from eating fatty foods can damage the inner linings of arteries. If a clot forms in the area of plaque buildup, and blocks blood flow in an artery, it can cause a heart attack or stroke.

Diseases of the Heart

Angina Pectoris Chest pain that results when the heart does not get enough oxygen. Pain normally last a few seconds to minutes and is a warning sign that the heart is not getting enough blood. Most common cause is atherosclerosis. Seldom causes permanent damage and can be treated with medication.

Arrhythmias A change in the regular beating of the heart where it may beat irregularly and ineffectively. It could include: – Tachycardia – beats too quickly – Bradycardia – beats too slowly. One type is ventricular fibrillation, the most common cause of sudden death. In this type the heart flutters but does not contract. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and using an automated external defibrillator (AED) are the only ways to help someone suffering a cardiac arrest.

Heart Attack Damage to the heart muscle caused by a reduced or blocked blood supply. It is usually caused by atherosclerosis. There are more than 1 million cases of heart attack yearly in the U.S., and more than 40% result in death.

Heart Attack Ventricular fibrillation occurs seconds to hours or even days following a heart attack and can cause sudden death. Many heart attacks are sudden and cause chest pain, but 1 in 4 produce no symptoms and are referred to as “silent heart attacks”.

Heart Attack Warning signs include: – Pressure, fullness, squeezing sensation in the chest – Discomfort spreading to the arms, shoulders, neck, jaw, upper abdomen, and back – Chest discomfort with shortness of breath – Lightheadedness – Sweating – Nausea and vomiting

Heart Attack vs. Cardiac Arrest  Heart attack and cardiac arrest are not quite the same thing. Heart attack is due to insufficient blood supply to the heart Cardiac arrest, in which the heart stops beating in a rhythmic way, occurs due to an electrical problem with the heart

Congestive Heart Failure A gradual weakening of the heart where it can no longer maintain its regular pumping rate and force. Can be the result of high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, a heart valve defect, or other factors such as illegal drug use. Managed with medication, good nutrition, and adequate physical activity. A heart transplant may be necessary.

Diseases of the Brain

Stroke An interruption of blood flow to a part of the brain which can affect different parts of the body depending on the part of the brain that is deprived of oxygen. Causes include arterial blockage (thrombus) or by a diseased artery which bursts (cerebral hemorrhage).

Stroke Warning signs include: – Weakness or numbness on one side of the body – Loss of speech or trouble in speaking or understanding people – Sudden dimness or loss of vision (usually only 1 eye) – Dizziness, unsteadiness, or sudden falls – Nausea or vomiting

Stroke Treatment exists which can stop a stroke as it is occurring. Drugs known as clot busters can break up a clot and restore the normal blood flow to the brain.

Risk Factors for CVDs 1.Heredity – Children whose parents have CVD are more likely to also develop CVD. 2.Ethnicity – Some ethnic groups are at greater risk. African Americans are twice as likely then Caucasians to develop high blood pressure. 3.Gender – Males have a greater risk of heart disease & stroke 4.Age – Risk increases with age. 80% of people who die from CVD are 65 years or older. 5.Tobacco Use – 20% of deaths from CVD are smoking-related.

Risk Factors for CVDs 6. High Blood Pressure 7. High Cholesterol 8. Physical inactivity – get at least minutes of physical activity daily. 9. Excess Weight 10. Stress (which can raise blood pressure) 11. Drug and Alcohol use

Diagnosing Heart Disease

Electrocardiogram A diagnostic test which produces a graph of the electrical activity of the hearts rhythm. It can help detect the nature of a heart attack and how the heart is behaving. It can also detect arrhythmias.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) A diagnostic test that uses powerful magnets to transfer images of the body to a computer to allow technicians to identify heart damage and certain heart defects.

Computer Tomagraphy (CT) Scan A diagnostic test which creates multiple images of the heart. Scans show calcium blockages in arteries and vessels, as well as heart function.

Coronary Angiography A diagnostic test which involves injecting dye through a thin, flexible tube (catheter) which is guided through the blood vessels. The movement of the dye is followed by x- rays to detect narrowed or obstructed areas of the heart.

Radionuclide Imaging A diagnostic test which involves injecting radionuclide's (radioactive isotopes) into the bloodstream and following the progress of the radionuclide's on a computer screen. Technicians are then able to determine how well the heart is functioning and if it’s receiving adequate blood flow.

Phonocardiography A diagnostic test which involves placing a microphone on the chest to record heart sounds and signals which are then transferred through photography to graph paper to examine for irregularities.

Treating Heart Disease

Balloon Angioplasty A procedure where they thread a balloon-tipped catheter through the body to the site of blockage and inflating the balloon to push the plaque against the wall of the artery to open a path for the blood to flow through.

Coronary Bypass Surgery Surgery to create “detours” around obstructed or narrowed coronary arteries so more blood can reach the heart muscles. A section of the femoral artery in the leg is usually used to create the bypass.

Artificial Pacemaker A device implanted in the chest and wired to the heart to shock the heart on demand when the natural heartbeat is too slow, or to work at a constant fixed rate.

Laser Intervention A procedure where a laser fiber is inserted into a blocked artery, and the laser vaporizes the blockage and restores the flow of blood.

Heart Valve Surgery A surgical procedure to replace a defective valve with either an artificial valve made of metal or plastic, or a biological valve.

Heart Transplant A surgical procedure which involves the implantation of a donor heart to replace a damaged heart.

Cancer An uncontrollable growth of abnormal cells which forms a tumor.

Tumors An abnormal mass of tissue that has no natural role in the body. They can harm the body because they kill normal cells when they: – compete with them for nutrients – Put pressure on surrounding tissues that can interfere with normal body functions. – Block arteries, veins and other passages in the body

Types of Tumors Benign Tumors Noncancerous tumors that grow slowly and are surrounded by membranes that prevent them from spreading from the original site. They are usually not dangerous unless they interfere with normal body functions.

Types of Tumors Malignant Tumors Cancerous tumors that have no membrane to keep them from spreading through the blood or lymph to other parts of the body and forming new tumors. This spread of cancer from the point of origin to other parts of the body is called metastasis.

Classification of Cancers Lymphomas Cancers of the immune system Leukemia's Cancers of the blood- forming organs

Classification of Cancers Carcinoma’s Cancers of the glands and body linings, including the skin and the linings of the digestive tract and lungs. Sarcoma’s Cancers of connective tissue, including bones, ligaments, and muscles.

Causes of Tumors Abnormal cells that have the potential to become cancer cells are produced every day and the immune system destroys most of them. If the immune system becomes weakened or overwhelmed by the number of cancer cells, cancer may develop. In some cases, normal cells change by themselves.

Causes of Tumors In some people a faulty gene may have been inherited. This accounts for 5-10% of cancers.

Causes of Tumors Most are caused by exposure to certain cancer-causing factors (carcinogens) that increase the risk of cell damage. Tobacco use is the major cause of cancer deaths in the U.S.

Causes of Tumors Exposure to sexually transmitted disease – The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) can cause cervical cancer – The Hepatitis B virus can cause liver cancer Dietary factors may also play a role – Fats make colon cells more vulnerable to carcinogens

Reducing Your Risk of Cancer 1.Protect skin from ultraviolet light 2.Avoid tobacco & alcohol 3.Practice abstinence from sexual activity. 4.Be physically active 5.Maintain a healthy weight 6.Eat nutritious foods 7.Follow an eating plan low in saturated fats & high in fiber 8.Recognize the warning signs of cancer.

Detecting Cancer Early detection is the most critical factor in successful cancer treatment. Many types of cancer can be detected through self- examination. If a tumor is suspected or found, a biopsy, the removal of a small piece of tissue for examination, may be performed. Ultrasound, MRI, CT’s, or x- rays may be useful in determining a tumors size & location.

Treatment of Cancer The methods used to treat cancer depend on several factors, such as: – The type of cancer – Whether the tumor has spread to other parts of the body. – The patients age and health

Treatment of Cancer Surgery Removes some or all of the cancerous masses from the body. Radiation Therapy Aims rays of radioactive substances at cancerous cells. The radiation kills the cells and shrinks the cancerous mass

Treatment of Cancer Chemotherapy Uses chemicals to destroy cancer cells Immunotherapy Activates a person’s immune system to recognize specific cancers and destroys them.

Treatment of Cancer Hormone Therapy Involves using medications that interfere with the production of hormones that may cause cancer.

Treatment of Cancer Cancer that responds to treatment or is under control is said to be in remission, a period of time when symptoms disappear. Cancer that is in remission is not always cured and can reoccur sometimes years later. Its important to see your doctor every year to make sure the cancer does not reappear.