cardiovacular diseases

• cardiovacular diseases are the diseases of the heart and blood vessels cardiovacular diseases are non - communicable (not infectious)
• in coronary heart disease layers of fatty material build up in the coronary arteries this causes the coronary artery to narrow the effect of this is that less blood can flow through the coronary artery this happens because there is a lack of oxygen coming from the heart muscle. in extreme cases this can result in a heart attack
• statins are drugs which reduce the level of cholestrol in the blood this slows down the build up of fatty materials in the arteries statins have been proven to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease however they have unwanted side effects eg. liver problems
• in some people coranary artery disease can cause almost total blockage of the coranary artery this can be treated using a stent.
• a stent is a tube that is inserted into the artery to keep it open. ADV: blood can flow normally through artery. 2, the recovery time from this procedure is quick DIS: there is a chance blood clots can form next to the stent called thrombosis 2.does not treat the underlying causes of the disease
• when heart valves are faulty you can replace them either with a mechanical valve made from metal or an animal valve for ex from a pig
• mechanical valves can last a lifetime but it increases the risk of clots so patients would have to take anti clotting drugs
• valves from animals are not long term however taking drugs are not needed
• with heart failure patients can sometimes be given a donated heart or lungs
• DONATED HEART; DIS:not enough donated hearts to treat every patient 2. patient must take drugs to stop the heart from being rejected by the bodys immune system
• artificial heart can be used in the meantime however they are not long term and can increase the risk of blood clotting