# Explain how a diet high in saturated fat and salt can lead to cardiovascular disease.

> Edexcel A-Level Biology A: Salters-Nuffield (9BN0) — 1.1 Cardiovascular disease and risk · Explain · 5 marks

> Cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of death in the UK. Lifestyle factors, including diet, are known to increase a person's risk of developing the condition.

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. A diet high in saturated fat leads to increased blood cholesterol levels
2. High cholesterol leads to the formation of fatty deposits (plaques/atheroma) in artery walls
3. Fatty deposits narrow the lumen of the arteries, restricting blood flow
4. A diet high in salt increases blood pressure
5. High blood pressure increases the risk of damage to artery walls / increases the chance of a heart attack or stroke

## Key terms

- [saturated fat](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/saturated-fat)
- [cardiovascular disease](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/cardiovascular-disease)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Edexcel A-Level Biology A: Salters-Nuffield (9BN0)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-how-a-diet-high-in-9b6f03fd) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.