Common illnesses

Heart disease is a broad term for various different diseases that affect the heart.  It is the most common cause of death in England.

Types of heart disease:

• Coronary heart disease
• Cardiomyopathy
• Cardiovascular disease
• Ischaemic heart disease
• Heart failure
• Hypertensive heart disease
• Inflammatory heart disease
• Valvular heart disease

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A disruption in the supply of blood to the brain resulting in impaired brain functions is a stroke.  It can cause permanent brain damage and death and must be treated as a medical emergency.  Stroke is the second cause of death world-wide.

Risk factors for stroke include:
• Advanced age
• Hypertension
• Previous stroke
• Diabetes
• High cholesterol
• Cigarette smoking
• The contraceptive pill

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In diseases that are cancerous, a group of cells in the body begin to grow in an uncontrolled manner.  The resulting lump is a tumour, which can invade normal nearby tissues. 

The risk of developing cancer increases with age.  It causes roughly 15% of deaths world-wide.  Cancer may be acquired through mutations in DNA replication.  It may also be inherited.  Abnormalities in cells may also be caused by carcinogens, such as tobacco smoke, radiation, and chemicals.

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Insulin produced by the pancreas in the body regulates blood sugar levels.  It helps glucose to enter the cells so the body can use it for energy.  In diabetes, the body cannot regulate insulin levels properly, causing blood sugar levels to be too high.

Glucose is produced when starchy food, sugar and other sweet foods are digested.  Starchy foods include bread, rice and potatoes.

There are two types of diabetes:

Type 1
The pancreas stops making the hormone insulin.  This type of diabetes more commonly develops in people before the age of 40.  Type 1 diabetes is less common than Type 2.

Type 2
The pancreas can still make some insulin, but not enough.  Type 2 diabetes commonly appears in people who are overweight, and over the age of 40. (However, in South Asian and African-Caribbean people, it often appears after the age of 25).  More recently, type 2 diabetes is becoming more common in younger ages.  Type 2 diabetes accounts for approximately 90% of all people with diabetes.

2.3 million people suffer from diabetes in the UK.  Over half a million people with diabetes do not know they have the condition.

Symptoms of diabetes:
• Feeling unwell
• Feeling tired
• Passing more urine
• Thirst

Possible long-term complications associated with diabetes:
• Stroke
• Eye damage
• Heart attack
• Kidney damage
• Impotence
• Difficulty passing urine
• Numbness and reduced blood supply in feet

Treatment for diabetes:
To stable the blood glucose levels through:
• Insulin
• Medication
• Diet

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