Chronic Diseases

Cardiovascular Disease  Disease that affects the heart or blood vessels  Two types – hypertension and atherosclerosis  Behavioral factors – smoking, poor diet, lack of physical activity, alcohol abuse, obesity, poor stress management  Environmental factors – stressful workplace

Hypertension  High blood pressure.  It can damage blood vessels and heart over a long period of time.  It is called the “silent killer”.  It is most common in people over the age of 35.  Prevent it by eating healthy, exercising regularly, and managing your weight.

Atherosclerosis  An accumulation of plaque on artery walls.  Typically caused by unhealthy food choices high in saturated fats and cholesterol.  As the plaque builds, it hardens on the walls of the arteries.  It can lead to strokes and heart attacks.

Cancer  Uncontrollable growth of abnormal cells  Tumor – abnormal mass of tissue that has no natural role in the body. They are not always associated with cancer. There are two types – benign and malignant.

Skin Cancer  Also called melanoma.  Can be detected in physical exam and removed by a biopsy.  Behavioral factors – exposure to the sun or radiation, failure to use sunscreen/clothing/shade, use of tanning beds.  Environmental factors – depletion of ozone layer, lack of shade, time of day, occupation

Lung Cancer  Can also be classified as carcinoma (aggressive).  Typically no immediate symptoms.  May have severe cough, wheezing, coughing up blood, and hoarseness.  It is detected in a chest x-ray.  Behavioral factors – smoking, general air pollution  Environmental factors – exposure to radon, asbestos

Osteoporosis  Condition in which there is a progressive loss of bone tissue.  Healthful behaviors during teen years can reduce your risk of developing osteoporosis later in life.  Can be detected by a bone scan.  Behavioral factors – lack of physical activity, lack of calcium and vitamin D in diet.  Environmental factors – none identified

Bronchitis  An inflammation of the bronchi caused by infection or exposure to irritants such as tobacco smoke or air pollution.  Also causes bronchi to produce excess amounts of mucus, which block the airways causing coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.  Treatments include antibiotics and reducing the exposure.  Behavioral factors – smoking, choice of occupation  Environmental factors – general air pollution, asbestos in buildings, secondhand smoke

Emphysema  A disease that progressively destroys the walls of the alveoli.  Almost always caused by smoking.  Some symptoms include breathing difficulty and chronic cough.  Behavioral factors – smoking, choice of occupation  Environmental factors – general pollution, asbestos in buildings, secondhand smoke