Explain how a non-communicable disease can affect a person's health, as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Written & reviewed by James Millett — Biology (Imperial College London), PGCE Science (University of Cambridge).
A 45-year-old patient is diagnosed with cardiovascular disease. Their doctor notes that the condition is affecting more than just the patient's physical health.
Model answer (4 marks)
A non‑communicable disease such as cardiovascular disease can
1. impair physical health by causing symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath and reduced exercise tolerance.
2. damage the body’s organs, for example by narrowing arteries and reducing blood flow to the heart.
3. lower mental well‑being, as the patient may experience stress, anxiety or depression about their illness and future.
4. reduce social well‑being, for example by limiting the ability to work, socialise or maintain relationships due to fatigue or fear of exertion.
1. impair physical health by causing symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath and reduced exercise tolerance.
2. damage the body’s organs, for example by narrowing arteries and reducing blood flow to the heart.
3. lower mental well‑being, as the patient may experience stress, anxiety or depression about their illness and future.
4. reduce social well‑being, for example by limiting the ability to work, socialise or maintain relationships due to fatigue or fear of exertion.
Examiner tips
- Use the WHO definition of health – physical, mental, social. Show each aspect with a specific example. Keep the answer concise and use the exact wording from the mark scheme.
Common mistakes
- Mixing up communicable and non‑communicable diseases. Failing to mention all three aspects of health. Using vague terms like "bad" instead of specific impacts.
Mark scheme (4 marks)
- Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being
- Cardiovascular disease / non-communicable disease negatively affects physical health / is a disorder of the body
- The disease can negatively affect mental well-being, e.g. causing stress, anxiety or depression
- The disease can negatively affect social well-being, e.g. the patient may be unable to work / socialise / maintain relationships
Key terms in this question
health · non-communicable disease
Related
- All Edexcel GCSE Biology (1BI0) revision notes →
- How to answer a "Explain" question →
- Decode the mark scheme abbreviations →
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