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 and cannot be passed from person to person
• What is an example of a cardiovascular disease?

  Coronary heart disease
• What is the function of the coronary arteries?

  To provide oxygen to the muscle cells of the heart
• How is oxygen used in the heart muscle?

  It is used in respiration to provide energy for contraction
• What happens to the coronary arteries in coronary heart disease?

  Layers of fatty material build up inside the coronary arteries, causing them to narrow
• What is the effect of narrowed coronary arteries on the heart muscle?

  It results in a lack of oxygen for the heart muscle
• What can extreme cases of coronary heart disease lead to?

  A heart attack, which can be fatal
• What are two common treatments for coronary heart disease?

  Statins and stents
• How do statins work in treating coronary heart disease?

  They reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of statins?

  They reduce the risk of coronary heart disease but can cause liver problems
• What is a stent used for in coronary heart disease?

  To keep the coronary artery open
• What is a limitation of using a stent?

  It does not prevent other regions of the coronary arteries from narrowing
• What issues can arise with heart valves?

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

  Weakness and tiredness in patients
• What are the two types of valves used for replacement?

  Mechanical valves and biological valves from animals
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of mechanical valves?

  They can last a lifetime but increase the risk of blood clots
• What is a disadvantage of biological valves?

  They do not last as long and may need to be replaced
• What is heart failure?

  When the heart cannot pump enough blood around the body
• What are two options for treating heart failure?

  A donated heart or an artificial heart
• What are the problems associated with donated hearts?

  There are not enough available and the patient must take drugs to prevent rejection
• What is the purpose of an artificial heart?

  To serve as a temporary solution while waiting for a transplant
• What are the risks associated with artificial hearts?

  They increase the risk of blood clotting and are not a long-term solution
• What are the methods of treating cardiovascular diseases?

  • Statins: Reduce cholesterol levels
  • Stents: Keep arteries open
  • Heart valve replacement: Mechanical or biological valves
  • Heart transplant: Donated heart or artificial heart
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of different cardiovascular disease treatments?

  Advantages:

  • Statins reduce disease risk
  • Stents restore blood flow
  • Mechanical valves last long
  • Biological valves avoid clotting drugs

  
  

  Disadvantages:

  • Statins can cause liver problems
  • Stents do not prevent further narrowing
  • Mechanical valves increase clot risk
  • Biological valves may need replacement