Cardiovascular Diseases

• What are cardiovascular diseases?

  Diseases of the heart and blood vessels
• What is a key feature of cardiovascular diseases?

  They are non-communicable diseases
• What is the function of the coronary arteries?

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

  Fatty material builds up in coronary arteries
• 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?

  A tube inserted into a coronary artery
• What is the advantage of inserting a stent?

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

  It does not treat underlying disease causes
• What can happen when heart valves are faulty?

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

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

  They increase the risk of blood clots
• What is an advantage of animal valves?

  They do not require anti-clotting drugs
• What is heart failure?

  The heart cannot pump enough blood
• What is a common treatment for heart failure?

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

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

  Drugs to prevent rejection
• What is an artificial heart?

  A temporary solution for heart failure
• What is a limitation of artificial hearts?

  They increase the risk of blood clotting
• How long can artificial hearts be used?

  For a relatively 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)
  • Donated hearts or heart and lungs
  • Artificial hearts as temporary solutions
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of statins?

  Advantages:

  • Proven to reduce coronary heart disease risk

  
  

  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 mechanical and animal valves?

  Mechanical Valves:

  • Last a lifetime
  • Increase risk of blood clots

  
  

  Animal Valves:

  • Do not last as long
  • No need for anti-clotting drugs
• 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