Introduction
The purpose of this essay is to evaluate five family members and determine their lifestyle habits that may affect cardiac changes. Factors such as smoking or obesity are known to significantly influence the likelihood of heart disease appearing in a person. Cultural and genetic factors were not applicable because the family is culturally homogeneous with the majority of U.S. citizens, and there is no history of cardiac disease in the family. Ultimately, the essay will serve to formulate and raise concerns related to the health of the family members.
Brother
My brother is 30 years old and works a day job in the neighborhood of his house. He exercises regularly and is generally in good health, and as such he is not in a risk group based on his physical activity. However, he smokes on average a pack of cigarettes every day. According to Gotto and Toth (2016), smoking is a major risk factor for heart disease, particularly for younger people. As such, my brother is potentially in danger of cardiac changes due to his lifestyle.
Mother
My mother is 52 years old and generally tends to stay at home and do housework. She moves around the house and engages in physical activities throughout the day, and she also participates in a light exercise routine in the mornings. Furthermore, my mother is generally somewhat thin, so obesity is not a concern. She does not smoke or drink alcohol, which removes her from that risk group as well. Overall, my mother does not appear to be at an increased risk of cardiac changes as far as lifestyle causes are concerned.
Father
My father is 54 years old and works at a day job in driving distance from the family’s house. He does not get sufficient exercise, and as such he has gained weight and can now be considered obese. Watson and Zibadi (2018) identify both traits as risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. My father does not smoke and did not do it in the past, eliminating that risk category. However, his lifestyle still potentially endangers his health with regards to cardiac changes.
Uncle
My uncle is 48 years old and manages a small company from an office located close to his house. He is considerably overweight, primarily due to his lack of exercise and an unhealthy diet. Furthermore, he is a heavy smoker, occasionally going through three packs a day. He has been hospitalized due to heart-related concerns in the past. Moreover, due to his refusal to change his lifestyle, he remains in the zone of significant risk for cardiac changes.
Grandmother
My grandmother is 74 years old and tends to stay at home and rest. She does not exercise or perform significant physical activities, but due to her light eating habits, she is not obese. She occasionally smokes, averaging approximately five cigarettes per day, which is considerably below the average. Furthermore, according to Gotto and Toth (2016), smoking becomes a less significant risk factor in advanced age. Overall, my grandmother’s physical inactivity and tobacco consumption put her into a risk group for cardiac changes, but the probability is somewhat low.
Conclusion
My family members employ a variety of lifestyles, some of which serve to increase the probability of heart-related concerns. In particular, my father and uncle may be at risk for cardiac changes. On the other hand, the likelihood of cardiovascular disease for my mother and brother is below average, based on their habits. While my grandmother’s lifestyle may put her at risk, the factors are light and less relevant, considering her advanced age.
References
Gotto, A. M., & Toth, P. P. (2016). Comprehensive management of high risk cardiovascular patients. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press.
Watson, R. R., & Zibadi, Z.(Eds). (2018). Lifestyle in heart health and disease. London, United Kingdom: Academic Press.