Which of the following is a risk factor for systemic disease?

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Multiple Choice

Which of the following is a risk factor for systemic disease?

Identifying systemic disease risk factors means recognizing behaviors that raise the chance diseases affecting multiple body systems will develop. Tobacco use stands out because it is a major modifiable risk factor for a wide range of systemic diseases. The harmful effects—nicotine-induced vasoconstriction, carbon monoxide reducing oxygen delivery, oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, and exposure to carcinogens—drive cardiovascular disease, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, several cancers, and impaired wound healing. In contrast, regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep promote health and reduce risk by improving cardiovascular fitness, metabolic control, immune function, and tissue repair. So tobacco use best fits as a risk factor for systemic disease among the options.

Identifying systemic disease risk factors means recognizing behaviors that raise the chance diseases affecting multiple body systems will develop. Tobacco use stands out because it is a major modifiable risk factor for a wide range of systemic diseases. The harmful effects—nicotine-induced vasoconstriction, carbon monoxide reducing oxygen delivery, oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, and exposure to carcinogens—drive cardiovascular disease, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, several cancers, and impaired wound healing. In contrast, regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep promote health and reduce risk by improving cardiovascular fitness, metabolic control, immune function, and tissue repair. So tobacco use best fits as a risk factor for systemic disease among the options.

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