1[1 mark]
Which statement about non-communicable diseases is correct?
- They are caused by a single factor
- They are often caused by the interaction of a number of factors
- They are spread by vectors
- They are caused by pathogens
Show mark scheme
Answer: B B (1)
2
[3 marks]
The table shows some measurements for a man. (a) Calculate his body mass index (BMI). Use the equation: BMI = mass (kg) ÷ height (m)². Give your answer to 1 decimal place. (2) (b) Calculate his waist : hip ratio. Give your answer to 2 decimal places. (1)
| Measurement | Value |
|---|---|
| Mass | 85 kg |
| Height | 1.70 m |
| Waist circumference | 98 cm |
| Hip circumference | 104 cm |
Show mark scheme
- (a) height² = 1.70 × 1.70 = 2.89 (1)
- BMI = 85 ÷ 2.89 = 29.4 (1) allow 29.41; award 2 marks for the correct answer with no working
- (b) 98 ÷ 104 = 0.94 (1) allow 0.942; do not accept a unit
3[3 marks]
(a) Describe how smoking increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. (2) (b) State one disease caused by drinking too much alcohol. (1)
Show mark scheme
- (a) chemicals in smoke damage the lining of arteries, so fatty deposits build up / arteries narrow (1)
- nicotine increases heart rate and blood pressure (1) allow any other correct effect on the heart or blood vessels
- (b) liver disease / cirrhosis / fatty liver (1)
4[6 marks]
Doctors can treat cardiovascular disease with life-long medication, with surgical procedures, or by advising lifestyle changes. Evaluate these three treatments.
Show mark scheme
| Level | Marks | What the answer does |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 5–6 | A balanced evaluation of all three treatments, with advantages and disadvantages for each, and a justified conclusion about their use. |
| 2 | 3–4 | Advantages and/or disadvantages given for at least two treatments, with some judgement. The conclusion may be missing or not justified. |
| 1 | 1–2 | A few correct points about one or two treatments, with no evaluation or conclusion. |
Indicative content
- medication such as statins or blood pressure drugs reduces risk without an operation
- but medication must be taken for life, can have side effects and costs money
- surgery such as stents, bypass, valve replacement or transplant can quickly restore blood flow or heart function
- but surgery has risks such as infection and bleeding, needs recovery time and is expensive; a transplant needs a donor and may be rejected
- lifestyle changes such as stopping smoking, healthy diet and exercise are cheap, have no side effects and reduce risk
- but they need long-term effort, take time and may not be enough for severe disease
- conclusion, for example lifestyle changes for everyone, medication to manage disease, and surgery for severe blockages