Cardiovascular Diseases

• What are cardiovascular diseases primarily related to?

  Heart and blood vessels
• What is a key feature of cardiovascular diseases?

  They are non-communicable
• What is an example of a cardiovascular disease?

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

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

  Fatty material builds up inside them
• 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
• What are two common treatments for coronary heart disease?

  Statins and stents
• What do statins do?

  Reduce cholesterol levels in the blood
• What is an advantage of statins?

  They reduce the risk of coronary heart disease
• What is a potential side effect of statins?

  They can cause liver problems
• What is a stent used for?

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

  It does not treat underlying causes
• What can happen when heart valves do not function properly?

  The heart may have to pump harder
• What are the two types of valves used for replacement?

  Mechanical and animal valves
• 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
• What is a disadvantage of animal valves?

  They do not last as long
• What is heart failure?

  The heart cannot pump enough blood
• What can patients with heart failure receive?

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

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

  Drugs to prevent rejection
• What is an artificial heart used for?

  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
• What are the methods of treating cardiovascular diseases?

  • Statins to reduce cholesterol
  • Stents to keep arteries open
  • Heart valve replacements (mechanical or animal)
  • Heart transplants or artificial hearts
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of statins?

  Advantages:

  • Proven to reduce coronary heart disease risk

  
  

  Disadvantages:

  • Possible liver problems
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of stents?

  Advantages:

  • Allows normal blood flow

  
  

  Disadvantages:

  • Does not treat underlying causes
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of heart valve replacements?

  Advantages:

  • Mechanical valves last a lifetime
  • Animal valves do not require drugs

  
  

  Disadvantages:

  • Mechanical valves risk blood clots
  • Animal valves may need replacement
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of heart transplants and artificial hearts?

  Advantages:

  • Can treat severe heart failure

  
  

  Disadvantages:

  • Limited availability of donors
  • Risk of rejection and need for drugs
  • Artificial hearts are temporary solutions