Circulation 1.4

• Risk factors:

  • excess fat in diet
  • smoking
  • high blood cholesterol
  • genetic factors
  • lack of exercise
• Risk factors may = atheroma
• atheroma = build up of fatty deposits in coronary arteries -> reduces blood flow -> prevents oxygenated blood from reaching the heart (not enough o2 -> build up of lactic acid kills heart muscle cells) muscle (may) = heart attack
• Built up fatty deposits may form blood clot / block flow completley
• Treatments (3):

  • Statin
  • Angioplasty
  • healthy diet/lifestyle
• statin -> controls blood cholesterol BUT can cause side effects
• Angioplasty -> small balloon inflated in blood vessel to remove blockage -> Improves blood flow BUT temporary (continued unhealthy diet = blockage returns)
• Healthy diet/ lifestyle -> reduces risk + lowers blood pressure BUT high level of self-discipline is required