Cardiovascular disease

• What does the term cardiovascular disease refer to?


  Diseases of the heart or blood vessels
• What is an example of cardiovascular disease mentioned in the material?

  Coronary heart disease
• What is the role of stents in treating coronary heart disease?


  • Stents are tubes inserted into heart arteries
  • They keep arteries open for blood flow
  • Help prevent heart attacks
• How does coronary heart disease affect blood flow to the heart muscle?


  It causes arteries to narrow, restricting blood flow and oxygen
• What can result from a lack of oxygen to the heart muscle due to blocked arteries?


  A heart attack
• What is the primary function of stents?


  To keep arteries open
• What are the benefits of using stents for patients with coronary heart disease?


  They lower the risk of heart attacks and have a quick recovery time
• What are some risks associated with stent surgery?


  Complications during the operation and risk of infection
• What is thrombosis in relation to stents?


  A blood clot that can develop near the stent
• What is cholesterol?


  An essential lipid produced by the body
• What type of cholesterol is referred to as "bad" cholesterol?

  LDL cholesterol
• How does excess "bad" cholesterol affect the arteries?


  It can cause fatty deposits to form inside arteries
• What are statins used for?


  To reduce the amount of "bad" cholesterol in the bloodstream
• How do statins help in preventing coronary heart disease?


  By slowing down the rate of fatty deposits forming
• What are the advantages of using statins?


  • Reduce risk of strokes and heart attacks
  • Increase "good" HDL cholesterol
  • May help prevent other diseases
• What are the disadvantages of using statins?


  • Must be taken regularly
  • Possible side effects (e.g., headaches, nausea)
  • Effects take time to manifest
• Why is it important to be aware of the drawbacks of stents and statins?


  To be prepared for potential exam questions
• What is the purpose of artificial hearts?


  To pump blood for a person whose own heart has failed
• Why are artificial hearts usually used as a temporary fix?


  They keep a person alive until a donor heart can be found or to help the heart recover
• What is a key advantage of artificial hearts compared to donor hearts?


  They are less likely to be rejected by the body’s immune system
• How do artificial hearts reduce the risk of rejection by the immune system?


  They are made from metals or plastics, which the body does not recognize as foreign
• What are some potential complications of surgery to fit an artificial heart?


  Bleeding and infection can occur
• What are the limitations of artificial hearts compared to natural hearts?


  They do not work as well, can wear out, and may cause blood clots
• What must patients with artificial hearts take to prevent complications?


  Drugs to thin their blood
• What can cause damage to heart valves?


  Heart attacks, infection, or old age
• What happens to valve tissue when it is damaged?


  It may stiffen or become leaky, affecting blood flow
• What are the two types of replacement valves?

  Biological valves and mechanical valves
• Why is replacing a valve considered less drastic than a heart transplant?


  It is a less invasive procedure
• What is a potential complication of fitting artificial valves?


  Problems with blood clots
• What can happen when someone loses a lot of blood?

  The heart can still pump the remaining blood to the organs if the volume is topped up
• What is a common substitute for lost blood volume in emergencies?

  A saline solution
• How much of their red blood cells can a person lose and still be kept alive with a saline solution?


  Up to 50%
• What is the goal of scientists working on artificial blood products?


  To replace the function of lost red blood cells
• What are the consequences of faulty heart valves or heart failure?


  • Poor blood circulation
  • Increased risk of heart failure
  • Potential need for valve replacement or heart transplant
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of artificial hearts, artificial blood, and valve replacements?


  Advantages:

  • Less likely to be rejected
  • Can be temporary or permanent solutions

  
  

  Disadvantages:

  • Risk of bleeding and infection
  • Potential for blood clots and complications
• What is the humorous remark made about artificial brains in the study material?

  Pity they can’t fit me an artificial brain before the exam
• What is the main focus of the page discussed in the study material?

  Artificial hearts, artificial blood, and artificial blood vessels
• What are cardiovascular diseases?


  Diseases of the heart or blood vessels
• What is an example of a cardiovascular disease?

  Coronary heart disease
• What happens to blood flow in coronary heart disease?


  Blood flow is restricted, leading to a lack of oxygen to the heart muscle