Cardiovascular Diseases

• What are cardiovascular diseases?

  Diseases of the heart and blood vessels that are non-communicable.
• Why are cardiovascular diseases considered non-communicable?

  Because they cannot be transmitted between individuals.
• What is the function of the coronary arteries?

  • Provide oxygen to the muscle cells of the heart
  • Supply oxygen used in respiration for energy
• What happens to the coronary arteries in coronary heart disease?

  They narrow due to fatty material buildup, reducing blood flow.
• What is the consequence of reduced blood flow in coronary heart disease?

  It can result in a lack of oxygen for the heart muscle, potentially causing a heart attack.
• What are two common treatments for coronary heart disease?

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

  They reduce cholesterol levels, slowing down fatty buildup in arteries.
• What is a disadvantage of using statins?

  They can cause unwanted side effects, such as liver problems.
• What is the purpose of a stent in treating coronary heart disease?

  • Keeps the coronary artery open
  • Allows normal blood flow through the artery
• What is a limitation of using a stent for coronary heart disease?

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

  • Valves may not fully open, causing the heart to pump harder
  • Valves may be leaky, leading to weakness and fatigue
• What are the two types of valves used for replacement in faulty heart valves?

  Mechanical valves and biological valves (from animals).
• What is an advantage of mechanical valves?

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

  They increase the risk of blood clots, requiring anti-clotting drugs.
• What is a disadvantage of biological valves?

  They do not last as long and may need to be replaced.
• What is heart failure in the context of cardiovascular diseases?

  • The heart cannot pump enough blood around the body
  • May require a heart transplant or donated heart and lungs
• What are two challenges associated with heart transplants?

  Insufficient donated hearts and the need for immunosuppressive drugs.
• What is the purpose of an artificial heart?

  To serve as a temporary solution while waiting for a transplant or to allow a damaged heart to rest.
• What is a limitation of artificial hearts?

  They increase the risk of blood clotting and are not a long-term solution.
• What should students be able to do by the end of the video on cardiovascular diseases?

  • Describe different cardiovascular diseases
  • Evaluate different methods of treating cardiovascular diseases