Coronary Heart Disease

• What builds up inside the coronary arteries in coronary heart disease?

  Layers of fatty material
• What is the consequence of narrowed coronary arteries?

  Less blood flows to the heart, reducing oxygen supply
• What are the solutions for coronary heart disease?

  • Stents: metal mesh tubes inserted in arteries to keep them open
  • Statins: drugs that reduce cholesterol in the blood
• What happens when a heart valve cannot open fully?

  It might develop a leak
• What are the consequences of faulty heart valves?

  Less blood reaches the body and pressure builds up, causing lungs to swell with fluid
• What are the solutions for faulty heart valves?

  • Replacement with biological valves
  • Replacement with mechanical valves
• What is heart failure?

  A condition that may require a donor for a heart transplant
• What is the purpose of artificial hearts?

  To keep patients alive while waiting for a heart transplant
• What are the advantages of drugs for cardiovascular diseases?

  • Reduces risk of heart attack
  • Quick recovery time from surgery
• What are the disadvantages of drugs for cardiovascular diseases?

  • May cause side effects
  • Need to be taken continuously
  • May not have an immediate effect
• What are the advantages of heart transplants?

  • Improves quality of life
  • Life saving
• What are the disadvantages of heart transplants?

  • Limited donors
  • Long recovery time
  • Risk of rejection
• What are the advantages of mechanical devices for heart issues?

  • Long lasting
  • Don't need to be replaced often
• What is a disadvantage of mechanical devices for heart issues?

  • Requires constant medication to prevent blood clotting around the valve