Explain how TWO protective factors can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. (4 marks)
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Protective factors: Regular physical activity and Healthy Diet
- Regular physical activity strengthens the heart muscle and improves cardiovascular efficiency. Exercise works by increasing stroke volume and cardiac output while reducing resting heart rate. As a result, blood pressure decreases and circulation improves. Therefore, arterial walls experience reduced strain and blockage formation decreases.
- Maintaining a healthy diet prevents the buildup of cholesterol in arteries. When people consume foods low in saturated fats and high in fibre, blood cholesterol levels consequently remain within healthy ranges. This creates reduced plaque formation in coronary arteries, which means blood flow to the heart muscle remains unobstructed.
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Protective factors: Regular physical activity and Healthy Diet
- Regular physical activity strengthens the heart muscle and improves cardiovascular efficiency. Exercise works by increasing stroke volume and cardiac output while reducing resting heart rate. As a result, blood pressure decreases and circulation improves. Therefore, arterial walls experience reduced strain and blockage formation decreases.
- Maintaining a healthy diet prevents the buildup of cholesterol in arteries. When people consume foods low in saturated fats and high in fibre, blood cholesterol levels consequently remain within healthy ranges. This creates reduced plaque formation in coronary arteries, which means blood flow to the heart muscle remains unobstructed.