DP Biology (first assessment 2025)

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Question 23M.2.SL.TZ2.24

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Date May 2023 Marks available [Maximum mark: 2] Reference code 23M.2.SL.TZ2.24
Level SL Paper 2 Time zone TZ2
Command term Describe Question number 24 Adapted from N/A
24.
[Maximum mark: 2]
23M.2.SL.TZ2.24

Scientific evidence demonstrates that reducing total cardiovascular risk results in the prevention of coronary heart disease. The chart shows attributable deaths in global population (in thousands) due to six leading cardiovascular risk factors.

Mendis, Shanthi, Puska, Pekka, Norrving, B, World Health Organization, World Heart Federation et al. (2011). Global
atlas on cardiovascular disease prevention and control / edited by: Shanthi Mendis ... [et al.]. World Health Organization.
Graph of attributable deaths due to selected risk factors.

Describe how two named risk factors shown in the graph can lead to coronary heart disease.

1.

 

2.

 

[2]

Markscheme
  1. raised blood pressure damages arteries/coronary/cerebral blood vessels (manifesting as heart attacks and strokes);
  2. smoking tobacco causes greater platelet aggregation (increases risk of thrombosis/CHD due to atherosclerosis)
    OR
    smoking tobacco lowers oxygen supply / greater oxygen demand (so heart works more)
    OR
    nicotine (in smoking tobacco) causes vasoconstriction/raises blood pressure (that can damage arteries);
  3. high glucose causes stronger contraction of blood vessels/raised bloodpressure (causing damage to arteries/ coronary/cerebral blood vessels);
  4. physical inactivity prevents return of venous blood from the extremities;
  5. overweight and obesity causes greater risk of clot/plaque formation
    OR
    overweight and obesity raises blood pressure/vasoconstriction;
  6. high cholesterol promotes plaque formation/blockage of arteries (which increases risk of thrombosis/CHD due to atherosclerosis);

If more than two factors written, mark only the first two descriptions.

Award only if descriptions are included.

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