cardiovascular disease

• What are cardiovascular diseases?

  Diseases of the heart and blood vessels
• What is a key feature of cardiovascular diseases?

  They are non-communicable diseases
• What is the function of the coronary arteries?

  To provide oxygen to heart muscle cells
• What happens in coronary heart disease?

  Fatty material builds up in coronary arteries
• What is the effect of narrowed coronary arteries?

  Reduced blood flow and oxygen to the heart
• What can extreme cases of coronary heart disease lead to?

  A heart attack due to oxygen starvation
• What are statins used for?

  To reduce cholesterol levels in blood
• What is an advantage of statins?

  They reduce the risk of coronary heart disease
• What is a disadvantage of statins?

  They can cause liver problems
• What is a stent?

  A tube inserted to keep arteries open
• What is the advantage of inserting a stent?

  Normal blood flow through the artery
• What is a limitation of stents?

  They do not treat underlying disease causes
• What can happen when heart valves are faulty?

  They may not fully open or can leak
• What can faulty heart valves cause?

  Heart enlargement and fatigue
• What are the two types of heart valves replacements?

  Mechanical valves and animal valves
• What is a benefit of mechanical valves?

  They can last a lifetime
• What is a disadvantage of mechanical valves?

  They increase the risk of blood clots
• What is a benefit of animal valves?

  Patients do not need anti-clotting drugs
• What is a disadvantage of animal valves?

  They may need to be replaced sooner
• What is heart failure?

  The heart cannot pump enough blood
• What is a treatment option for heart failure?

  Donated heart or heart and lungs
• What is a problem with donated hearts?

  Not enough donated hearts available
• What must patients take after receiving a donated heart?

  Drugs to prevent rejection by the immune system
• What is an artificial heart?

  A temporary solution for heart failure
• What is a risk associated with artificial hearts?

  Increased risk of blood clotting
• Why are artificial hearts not a long-term solution?

  They can only be used for a short time