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“Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) remains the leading cause of death in Ireland accounting for over 7,000 deaths annually.” (CHAIR – Coronary Heart Attack Ireland Register) (a) Identify and elaborate on (i) the lifestyle changes and (ii) the dietary guidelines that should be followed in order to reduce the incidence of coronary heart disease - Leaving Cert Home Economics - Question 2 - 2007
Question 2
“Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) remains the leading cause of death in Ireland accounting for over 7,000 deaths annually.” (CHAIR – Coronary Heart Attack Ireland Regi... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:“Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) remains the leading cause of death in Ireland accounting for over 7,000 deaths annually.” (CHAIR – Coronary Heart Attack Ireland Register) (a) Identify and elaborate on (i) the lifestyle changes and (ii) the dietary guidelines that should be followed in order to reduce the incidence of coronary heart disease - Leaving Cert Home Economics - Question 2 - 2007
Step 1
Identify and elaborate on (i) the lifestyle changes
Answer
To reduce the incidence of coronary heart disease (CHD), individuals should adopt several lifestyle changes:
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Maintain a Healthy Weight: Excess body weight can increase cholesterol levels and blood pressure, which are risk factors for CHD. Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise is crucial.
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Physical Activity: Regular exercise (at least 150 minutes a week) helps to lower LDL (bad cholesterol) and raise HDL (good cholesterol). Activities like walking, cycling, or swimming can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease.
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No Smoking: Smoking contributes to the development of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), which is a primary cause of CHD. Quitting smoking can greatly improve heart health.
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Limit Alcohol Consumption: Excessive alcohol intake can lead to high blood pressure and weight gain. Moderation is key.
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Stress Management: Chronic stress may contribute to heart disease. Techniques such as meditation, yoga, or deep-breathing exercises can help manage stress.
Step 2
Identify and elaborate on (ii) the dietary guidelines
Answer
Dietary guidelines play a crucial role in reducing the risk of coronary heart disease:
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Reduce Saturated Fat: Consuming high levels of saturated fats can raise cholesterol levels. It's advisable to limit intake of fatty meats, full-fat dairy products, and processed foods.
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Include Healthy Fats: Incorporate monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, such as olive oil and avocados, which can help decrease harmful cholesterol levels.
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Increase Fiber Intake: A fiber-rich diet from fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains can improve cholesterol levels and overall heart health.
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Limit Salt Intake: High sodium consumption can lead to high blood pressure. Using herbs and spices for flavor instead of salt can be beneficial.
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Eat More Fish: Fatty fish such as salmon and mackerel contain omega-3 fatty acids, which have heart-protective benefits.
Step 3
Plan a day’s menu for an individual suffering from CHD. Include one functional food in the menu and suggest a reason for its inclusion.
Answer
Breakfast: Oatmeal topped with berries and a sprinkle of flaxseeds.
Lunch: Grilled chicken salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a vinaigrette dressing.
Dinner: Baked salmon with quinoa and steamed broccoli.
Snacks: A handful of walnuts and a piece of fruit.
Functional Food: Flaxseeds
Reason: Flaxseeds are high in omega-3 fatty acids and dietary fiber, which can help lower cholesterol levels, reduce inflammation, and promote heart health.
Step 4
Write an informative account of cholesterol.
Answer
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance found in every cell of the body. It is essential for the synthesis of hormones, vitamin D, and bile, which helps digest fats. While the body produces enough cholesterol for its needs, it also derives cholesterol from dietary sources.
There are two main types of cholesterol:
- Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL): Often referred to as 'bad' cholesterol, high levels of LDL can lead to plaque buildup in arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
- High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL): Known as 'good' cholesterol, HDL helps transport cholesterol away from the arteries and back to the liver, where it is processed and eliminated.
Maintaining a balanced level of cholesterol is crucial for heart health. Regular dietary assessments and lifestyle adjustments can help manage cholesterol levels effectively.