Cardiovascular Disease

• What are cardiovascular diseases?

  Diseases of the heart or blood vessels
• What is an example of a cardiovascular disease?

  Coronary heart disease
• What happens to blood flow in coronary heart disease?

  Blood flow is restricted, causing oxygen lack
• What can a lack of oxygen to the heart muscle lead to?

  It can lead to a heart attack
• What are five treatments for cardiovascular disease?

  1. Stent
  2. Heart transplant
  3. Artificial heart
  4. Replacement heart valves
  5. Medication to reduce LDL cholesterol
• What is the purpose of a stent in treating cardiovascular disease?

  To keep coronary arteries open for a long time
• What is a heart transplant?

  A heart from a donor is used
• What is the advantage of donor hearts over artificial ones?

  Donor hearts work better than artificial ones
• What can artificial hearts be used for?

  While waiting for a donor heart or healing
• What can replacement heart valves treat?

  Severe valve damage like stiff or leaky valves
• What are the advantages of reducing LDL cholesterol in the blood?

  It slows down the formation of fatty deposits
• What are some disadvantages of treatments for cardiovascular disease?

  Long-term medication and potential side effects
• What risks are associated with surgery for cardiovascular disease?

  Bleeding and infection can occur
• What can happen to donor hearts or valves after surgery?

  They can be rejected by the immune system
• What complication can artificial devices lead to?

  Thrombosis, or blood clots in vessels
• What happens when faulty heart valves are present?

  They stop blood circulating effectively