| Date | November 2010 | Marks available | 2 | Reference code | 10N.3.HL.TZ0.13 |
| Level | Higher level | Paper | Paper 3 | Time zone | TZ0 |
| Command term | Outline | Question number | 13 | Adapted from | N/A |
Question
Alcohol is known to increase the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). An investigation was undertaken to look at the effects of drinking different amounts of alcohol in men and women.
C-reactive protein (CRP), fibrinogen and total white blood cell count (WBC) were measured. These are markers that can be used to measure the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD).
Samples were taken from populations in three different countries and their drinking habits were determined and their blood was analysed.
State the overall trend for CRP for men and women over the range of alcohol consumption.
Evaluate, using all the data, whether drinking small amounts of alcohol reduces the risk of CVD.
Deduce which is the best marker to measure the risk of CVD.
Outline atherosclerosis and the causes of CVD.
Markscheme
a. for both men and women a decrease is seen at the lowest alcohol intake followed by an increase;
b. the level of CRP is higher in women than in men over the range of alcohol consumption / as the intake increases the difference between men and women increases, the CRP increase being greater in women;
a. drinking small amounts of alcohol seems to reduce the level of all markers / drinking none and/or high amounts of alcohol has higher levels of markers than moderate amount;
b. the effect of small amounts of alcohol is less in women than in men / the effect of large amounts of alcohol is greater in women than in men / women should consume less than men;
c. other effects of alcohol consumption are not measured;
d. other factors increasing risk of CVD are not measured;
e. the type of alcohol is not stated / the active factor in the drink is not seen;
CRP shows the decrease in risk for low amounts of alcohol then increases above the baseline for higher amounts
a. high blood pressure damages endothelial wall;
b. WBC/macrophages build up cholesterol;
c. plaque hardens arterial wall / blocks lumen / artery blocked by depositions in wall;
d. wall rough;
e. clots form;
Examiners report
That initial dip in results was not recognized by a good number of candidates.
The effect of moderate amounts of alcohol was rarely complete, and although many deduced the best marker, few could give a reason.
Although many deduced the best marker, few could give a reason.
For part (d) candidates focused on the causes and prevention of CVD therefore scoring hardly any marks.
