Health & Social Care

• What are inherited conditions?

  They are passed on through faulty genes from parents to children
• What is sickle cell disease?

  An inherited disease, that affects a person's red blood cells.
• What are the symptoms of sickle cell disease?

  Anaemia (leading to tiredness), episodes of severe pain and frequent infections
• What is cystic fibrosis?

  An inherited disease, that causes mucus to build up in the lungs and digestive system which causes severe damage
• What are the symptoms of cystic fibrosis?

  Recurring chest infections, shortness of breath, a persistent cough and difficulty digesting food.
• How do inherited diseases have a negative effect on health & wellbeing?

  Causes discomfort & pain, harder to keep active, stress & anxiety, reduced independence lack of confidence
• What is a chronic condition?

  A long term illness that often gets worse overtime
• What is cardiovascular disease?


  A chronic illness, affects the heart and blood vessels. Can lead to angina (chest pain), strokes and heart attacks
• What is type 2 diabetes?


  A chronic illness, causes blood sugar levels to become to high.
• What are the symptoms of type 2 diabetes?

  Blurred vision, tiredness and unexpected weight loss
• What is obesity?

  A chronic illness, where a person becomes overweight and it increases their risk for other health problems such as type 2 diabetes & cardiovascular diseases
• What are some of the keywords for good answers?

  Self esteem, self-image, loss of independence, reduced opportunities, lack of confidence, difficulty socialising, social isolation, socialise, meet new people, loneliness, weak/strong immune system, low mood, anxiety, unloved, unhappy, sense of belonging, unwanted, form new relationships, worthless, restricted opportunities.
• What is heart rate?

  Heart rate is the number of times the heart beats per minute
• How to measure heart rate?

  Place fingers on the inside of your wrist and count the pulses. Use stopwatch and time 60 seconds
• What is the normal range for an adult's resting heart rate?

  Between 60 and 100 bpm
• What range is an abnormal heart rate?

  Below 60 bpm or over 100 bpm
• Is anyone an exception to abnormal heart rate figures?


  Yes, athletes' may have a heart rate of below 60 and still be healthy
• What are the short term risks of an abnormal heart rate?

  Dizziness, light-headedness, shortness of breath, chest pain, fainting, high blood pressure
• What are the long term risks of an abnormal heart rate?


  Increased risk of cardiovascular problems ( heart attack or stroke ) , risk of heart failure
• What is blood pressure?

  A measure of how strongly the blood presses against the walls of your arteries
• What is blood pressure measured in?


  millimetres of mercury (mmHg) and is made up of two numbers
• What does the first number mean in blood pressure readings?


  Systolic pressure - the pressure when the heart pushes blood out
• What does the second number mean in blood pressure readings?


  Diastolic pressure - the pressure when the heart rests between beats
• What is the low blood pressure reading?

  90/60 or lower
• What is the normal blood pressure reading?

  90/60 to 120/80
• What is the pre-high blood pressure reading?

  120/80 to 140/90
• What is the high blood pressure reading?

  140/90 or higher
• What can cause high blood pressure?


  Unhealthy lifestyle choices - eating to much fatty food can cause bad cholesterol to increase fatty deposits to build up in the arteries. Obesity, lack of exercise, drinking to much alcohol
• What are the short term risks of high blood pressure?

  headaches, shortness of breath, nose bleeds
• What are the long term risks of high blood pressure?


  Can damage the arteries by making them harden, which decreases blood flow to the heart and leads to heart attack. Can cause the arteries supplying blood to the brain to burst which can lead to a stroke. Damage to small blood vessels in the brain can increase the risk of vascular dementia
• What is low blood pressure caused by?

  Pregnancy, diabetes
• What are the short term risks of low blood pressure?

  Dizziness, blurred vision, fainting, feeling sick
• What are the long term risks of low blood pressure?


  Its a life threatening condition where the body's organ don't get enough oxygen and blood. Cold and clammy skin, rapid breathing, a weak pulse
• What is BMI?


  Used as a guide to indicate whether someone is underweight, healthy weight, overweight or obese
• How is BMI calculated?


  From height and mass. BMI = mass in kilograms / (height in metres)2
• What is the underweight BMI reading?

  Below 18.5
• What is the healthy weight BMI reading?

  18.5 to 24.9
• What is the overweight BMI reading?

  25 to 29.9
• What is the obese BMI reading?

  30 to 39.9
• What is the severely obese BMI reading?

  40 or above