4.2.2.4 coronary heart disease: a non-communicable disease

• What causes CHD?

  When layers of fatty materials (cholesterol) build up inside the coronary arteries and narrowing them
• what does CHD reduce and what does this mean?

  the flow of blood through the coronary arteries resulting in a lack of oxygen for the heart
• what are stents used to do?

  keep the coronary arteries open
• what are statins used for?

  to reduce blood cholesterol levels which slows down the rate of fatty material deposit
• what might happen to some peoples heart valves?

  they may become faulty - preventing the valve from opening fully, or the valve might develop a leak
• what are the consequences of leaky valves?

  The affected will become breathless and eventually die
• how can faulty valves be replaced?

  using either biological or mechanical valves
• what can be transplanted in the case of heart failure?

  a heart or heart and lungs
• what are artificial hearts used for?

  to keep patients alive waiting for a heart transplant
• what are the advantages to statins?

  • lower cholesterol levels
  • No need for surgery
  • Protect against other conditions
• what are disadvantages to statins?

  • side effects
  • Not suitable for everyone
• what are statins?

  drugs that reduce the amount cholesterol produced by liver and deposited in arteries
• what are advantages to stents?

  • Effective reducing risk of heart attack
  • Simple procedure
  • Long lasting
  • work instantly
• what are the disadvantages to stents?

  • Risk of blood clots around the area
  • Risk from surgery - infection etc