Read the article and do the tasks below.

While reading, find the words and expressions that mean the following:

1) повышенное артериальное давление; 2) по сравнению с; 3) инсульт; 4) почечная недостаточность; 4) многочисленные факторы; 5) быть склонным к; 6) определить; 7) вероятно; 8) недостаток физической нагрузки; 9) передавать (о генах, наследственности); 10) свидетельства, данные (полученные в результате исследования).

'Blood pressure gene' affects 20%.

The STK39 gene variant was found after scanning the genetic code of 350 people in the US and Europe. People with the variant had raised blood pressure (BP) compared with those carrying other versions.

High BP, also called hypertension, is important because, over time, it can increase the chances of heart problems, strokes and kidney failure. According to statistics, one in four people living in western countries has high BP, often undiagnosed.

When scientists linked variants of the STK39 gene to high BP, they realized that the gene produced a protein which controlled how the kidneys processed salt - a key factor in changing BP.

Dr Chang, one of the researchers, said: " This discovery will help us to individualize treatments - what we call personalized medicine." However, he added: " Hypertension is a very complex condition, with numerous genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors involved. The STK39 gene is only one important piece of the puzzle."

Mike Rich from the BP Association said: " The study may help us identify those individuals who may be more prone to hypertension. However, there are already indicators which can help us determine who is more likely to develop the condition, such as a family history of hypertension, heart disease, stroke, and poor diet and lack of exercise. The things you learn from your parents in terms of lifestyle and habits will probably have as much effect on your chances of developing hypertension as the genes they pass down to you."

Professor Mark Caulfield said the evidence pointed towards many different genes each having a small effect on BP.

 

1. Does the article say that…

1) high BP increases the risk of developing other diseases?

2) the STK39 gene variant is the only factor responsible for hypertension?

3) there are a lot of people who do not even suspect (подозревают) they have hypertension?

4) the function of the kidneys can affect BP?

5) BP does not depend on your diet?

6) the genes your parents pass down to you can influence your BP?

7) high BP can only cause cardio-vascular diseases?

 

Ask your questions.

1) ________________________________? – 350 people were examined.

2) ________________________________? – It is also called hypertension.

3) ________________________________? – It is important because it can increase the chances of heart problems…

4) ________________________________? – The gene produces a protein that controls the function of the kidneys.

5) ________________________________? – It will help us personalize the treatment.

6) ________________________________? – Yes, everybody may be prone to hypertension.

7) ________________________________? – Yes, your family history of high BP can increase your risk of having it.

 

3. Use the article to write about the BP gene research. Write about:

1) the background of the study,

2) the aim of the study,

3) the material and methods,

4) the results,

5) the conclusions.

 

Read the passage and answer the questions: How is hypertension formally diagnosed in the UK? Why is “ambulatory” BP monitoring advised?

 

High BP affects about a quarter of all adults in the UK. It is a leading risk factor for heart disease or stroke and costs the NHS about £ 1bn a year in drugs alone. These days, most patients are given a formal diagnosis of hypertension if their BP is raised at two subsequent (последовательный) visits to the doctor. They may then be prescribed medication to lower it. Research suggests, however, that about a quarter of patients actually have " white coat" hypertension that leads to misdiagnosis and administering drugs the patients don’t need. So doctors in the UK are advised to move towards " ambulatory" monitoring of patients at home, using a mobile device that automatically takes BP readings every 30 minutes day and night.

 

Explain to your patient the necessity of knowing their blood pressure. Tell them how high blood pressure can cause developing other diseases. Try to avoid a lot of specific medical terms.

UNIT 5. CORONARY HEART DISEASE.

Read the article and do the tasks below.

While reading, find the words and expressions that mean the following:

1) закупорить / закупоренные артерии; 2) бляшка; 3) плохая наследственность по сердечно-сосудистым заболеваниям; 4) снизить риск развития ишемической болезни сердца; 5) повреждать стенки артерий; 6) кровоток; 7) сгусток крови; 8) стенокардия; 9) питательные вещества; 10) ускорить процесс.

Coronary heart disease: causes and risk factors

Coronary heart disease occurs when your coronary arteries become clogged with fatty material called ‘plaque’ or ‘atheroma’. Plaque slowly builds up on the inner wall of the arteries, causing them to become narrow. This process is called ‘atherosclerosis’. It can start when you are young and be well advanced by middle age.

There is no single cause for coronary heart disease, but there are ‘risk factors’ that increase your chance of developing it. There are ‘modifiable’ risk factors (ones that you can change) and ‘non-modifiable’ risk factors (ones that you can’t change). Modifiable risk factors include: smoking; high total blood cholesterol; high blood pressure; diabetes; being physically inactive; being overweight; depression, etc. Risk factors that you can’t change include increasing age, being male and having a family history of heart disease. The good news is that you can reduce your overall risk of developing coronary heart disease by leading a healthy lifestyle and taking medicines as prescribed by your doctor.

Smoking affects the arteries that supply blood to your heart and other parts of your body. It reduces the amount of oxygen in your blood and damages your artery walls. Smoking increases your risk of heart attack, stroke and peripheral arterial disease. Smoking makes your blood ‘stickier’, causing blood cells to clump together. This slows blood flow through your arteries and makes blockages more common. Blockages may cause heart attack and stroke.

Smokers often have cold hands or feet as a result of clogged arteries, which may also lead to serious problems such as gangrene. If the clogged artery is your coronary artery, it can cause angina. If a blood clot forms in the narrowed coronary artery and completely blocks the blood supply to a part of your heart, it can cause a heart attack.

Blood pressure is the pressure of the blood in your arteries (the blood vessels that carry oxygen and nutrients to the body) as it is pumped around the body by the heart. Blood pressure depends on two main things: the amount of blood pumped by the heart and how easily the blood can flow through the arteries.

Your blood pressure will go up and down throughout the day, depending on the time of day and what you are doing. Your family history, eating patterns, alcohol intake, weight and level of physical activity have a strong influence on blood pressure.

High blood pressure can overload the heart and coronary arteries and speed up the artery-clogging process. This can lead to problems such as heart attack and stroke.

High blood pressure can also affect arteries to other parts of the body, such as the eyes, kidneys and legs.

 

1. Decide if the statements are true (T) or false (F). Correct the false ones.
1. Young people never have atherosclerosis.

2. You can influence the process of developing atherosclerosis.

3. Healthy lifestyle increases the risk of having coronary heart disease.

4. High blood pressure can overload your stomach.

5. Your blood pressure doesn’t depend on the time of the day.

6. Men have coronary heart disease more often than women.

7. High blood pressure does not only influence your heart but some other organs as well.

 

Complete the sentences.

1) Being overweight can be a problem because ………

2) Having sticky blood can be a problem because …………

3) Having a family history of heart disease can be a problem because ………

4) Having cold hands and feet can be a big problem because ………

 

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