Cardiovascular disease

• What does CVD stand for?

  Cardiovascular Disease
• What is CVD associated with?

  Build-up of fatty deposits in arteries
• What condition increases the risk of blood clots?

  Atherosclerosis
• What can happen when an atheroma ruptures?

  It damages the endothelium of the artery
• What process is triggered by damage to the endothelium?

  Thrombosis
• How do atheromas and blood clotting affect health?

  They can block arteries and cause serious conditions
• What can a blood clot completely block?

  An artery
• What can happen if blood clots travel to the brain?

  It can cause a stroke
• What other conditions can blood clotting lead to?

  Heart attack and deep vein thrombosis
• What are the steps in the process of atherosclerosis and blood clotting?

  1. Atheroma forms
  2. Cholesterol accumulates
  3. Hard plaque forms
  4. Inflammatory cells enter wall
  5. Platelets become sticky
  6. Calcium salts and fibrous tissue accumulate
  7. Cascade of chemical changes occurs
  8. Blood cells trapped, a blood clot forms
  9. Artery narrows
  10. Wall elasticity reduced
• What is CHD a type of?

  Cardiovascular Disease
• What does narrowing of coronary arteries limit?

  Oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle
• When is angina typically experienced?

  During exertion when the heart works harder
• What happens to the heart muscle during angina?

  It works anaerobically due to lack of oxygen
• What is a stroke caused by?

  Disruption of blood flow to the brain
• What does a blood clot in the brain lead to?

  Reduced blood flow and oxygen delivery
• What is a myocardial infarction commonly known as?

  Heart attack
• What can happen if large areas of the heart are affected by blood clots?

  Complete heart failure may occur
• What is revascularisation?

  Restoration of blood flow to tissues
• What type of disease is CHD?

  Cardiovascular disease (CVD)
• What does narrowing of coronary arteries limit?

  Oxygen-rich blood reaching the heart muscle
• When is angina typically experienced?

  During exertion when the heart works harder
• What happens to the heart muscle when it lacks oxygen?

  It is forced to work anaerobically
• What triggers pain during angina?

  Chemical changes due to lack of oxygen
• What is a stroke?

  A sudden loss of brain function
• What causes a stroke?

  Disruption of blood flow to the brain
• What leads to reduced blood flow during a stroke?

  A blood clot blocking arteries supplying the brain
• What is the effect of reduced blood flow on brain cells?

  It reduces respiration and ATP production
• What is coronary heart disease (CHD) caused by?

  Formation of atheromas and blood clots
• What happens to blood flow in CHD?

  It is restricted to certain areas of the heart
• What is the consequence of restricted blood flow in CHD?

  Heart cells can no longer contract
• What can happen to heart cells due to ischaemia?

  They can die, causing permanent damage
• What is a myocardial infarction commonly known as?

  Heart attack
• What may occur if large areas of the heart are affected by blood clots?

  Complete heart failure may occur
• What can be the outcome of complete heart failure?

  It can be fatal