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 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 statins used for?

  To reduce cholesterol levels in blood
• What is an advantage of statins?

  They reduce the risk of coronary heart disease
• What is a disadvantage of statins?

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

  To keep a coronary artery open
• What is an advantage of inserting a stent?

  Normal blood flow through the artery
• What is a limitation of a stent?

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

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

  Mechanical valves and animal valves
• What is a benefit of mechanical valves?

  They can last a lifetime
• What is a risk associated with mechanical valves?

  Increased 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 is a solution for severe heart failure?

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

  Not enough are available for patients
• 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 (donated or artificial)
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of statins?

  Advantages:

  • Reduce risk of coronary heart disease
  • Effective treatment

  
  

  Disadvantages:

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

  Advantages:

  • Allow normal blood flow

  
  

  Disadvantages:

  • Do 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 increase blood clot risk
  • Animal valves may need replacement
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of heart transplants?

  Advantages:

  • Can restore normal heart function

  
  

  Disadvantages:

  • Limited availability of donated hearts
  • Risk of rejection requiring medication
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of artificial hearts?

  Advantages:

  • Temporary solution for heart failure

  
  

  Disadvantages:

  • Increase risk of blood clotting
  • Not a long-term solution