Cardiovascular disease

• What is cardiovascular disease related to?

  It is related to the heart and blood vessels.
• What is the primary cause of most cardiovascular diseases?

  Most cardiovascular disease starts with atheroma formation.
• What are the layers that make up the wall of an artery?

  The wall of an artery is made up of several layers.
• What happens to the endothelium when damage occurs?

  Damage to the endothelium can occur due to high blood pressure.
• What do white blood cells do when they clump together under the lining of an artery?

  They form fatty streaks.
• What is an atherosclerotic plaque?

  It is a hardened buildup of white blood cells, lipids, and connective tissue.
• How does an atherosclerotic plaque affect blood flow?

  It partially blocks the lumen of the artery and restricts blood flow.
• What is coronary heart disease (CHD)?

  CHD occurs when the coronary arteries have many atheromas, restricting blood flow to the heart muscle.
• What can coronary heart disease lead to?

  It can lead to myocardial infarction.
• What are the two types of diseases that affect the arteries mentioned?

  Aneurysm and thrombosis.
• What is an aneurysm?

  An aneurysm is a balloon-like swelling of the artery.
• How does an atheroma plaque contribute to the formation of an aneurysm?

  Atheroma plaques damage and weaken arteries, leading to aneurysms.
• What happens when an aneurysm bursts?


  It causes a hemorrhage (bleeding).
• What is thrombosis?


  Thrombosis is the formation of a blood clot.
• What occurs when an atheroma plaque ruptures?

  It damages the artery wall and leaves a rough surface.
• What accumulates at the site of damage after an atheroma plaque ruptures?

  Platelets and fibrin accumulate to form a blood clot (thrombus).
• What can a blood clot cause?

  A blood clot can cause a complete blockage of the artery.
• What happens when blood flow to the heart is interrupted?

  It can cause a myocardial infarction, commonly known as a heart attack.
• What does the heart muscle require from the blood supplied by the coronary arteries?

  The heart muscle requires oxygen to carry out respiration.
• What are the symptoms of a heart attack?

  Symptoms include pain in the chest and upper body, shortness of breath, and sweating.
• What can happen if large areas of the heart are affected during a heart attack?

  Complete heart failure can occur, which is often fatal.
• What are some common risk factors for cardiovascular disease?

  High blood cholesterol and poor diet.
• What cholesterol level is considered high and increases the risk of cardiovascular disease?

  A cholesterol level above 240 mg per 100 cm³ is considered high.
• Why is cholesterol a risk factor for cardiovascular disease?

  Cholesterol is a main constituent of the fatty deposits that form atheromas.
• How does a diet high in saturated fat affect cholesterol levels?

  A diet high in saturated fat is associated with high blood cholesterol levels.
• How does a diet high in salt affect cardiovascular disease risk?

  A diet high in salt increases the risk of high blood pressure.
• What substances in cigarette smoke increase the risk of cardiovascular disease?

  Nicotine and carbon monoxide.
• How does nicotine affect blood pressure?

  Nicotine increases the risk of high blood pressure.
• What effect does carbon monoxide have on the blood?

  Carbon monoxide reduces the amount of oxygen transported in the blood.
• What happens when the heart muscle does not receive enough oxygen?


  It can lead to a heart attack.
• How does smoking affect antioxidants in the blood?

  Smoking decreases the amount of antioxidants in the blood.
• Why are antioxidants important for the body?

  They protect cells from damage.
• What does high blood pressure increase the risk of?

  It increases the risk of damage to the artery walls.
• How do damaged artery walls affect blood pressure?

  Damaged walls have an increased risk of atheroma formation, causing further increases in blood pressure.
• What lifestyle factors can increase blood pressure?

  Being overweight, not exercising, and excessive alcohol consumption.
• How does age affect the risk of cardiovascular disease?

  The risk increases with age.
• Which sex is at greater risk for cardiovascular disease?

  Men are at greater risk than women.
• What can individuals control regarding cardiovascular disease risk factors?

  Individuals can choose to smoke, eat fatty foods, etc.
• What are some uncontrollable risk factors for cardiovascular disease?

  Genetic predisposition and high blood pressure due to other conditions.
• How can the risk of developing cardiovascular disease be reduced?

  By removing as many risk factors as possible.