Cardiovascular Diseases

• What are cardiovascular diseases primarily related to?

  Heart and blood vessels
• Why are cardiovascular diseases considered non-communicable?

  They cannot be passed from person to person
• 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, narrowing arteries
• What is the consequence 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 due to oxygen starvation
• What are statins used for?

  To reduce cholesterol levels in blood
• What is an advantage of using 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 in coronary heart disease?

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

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

  It does not treat underlying disease causes
• What can faulty heart valves cause?

  Heart to pump harder and enlarge
• 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 as mechanical valves
• What is heart failure?

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

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

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

  Drugs to prevent rejection by the immune system
• What is the purpose of an artificial heart?

  Temporary solution while waiting for transplant
• 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 or artificial hearts
• 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:

  • Normal blood flow through arteries

  
  

  Disadvantages:

  • Does not treat underlying causes
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of mechanical and animal valves?

  Mechanical Valves:

  • Last a lifetime
  • Risk of blood clots

  
  

  Animal Valves:

  • Do not last as long
  • No need for anti-clotting drugs
• What are the challenges of heart transplants and artificial hearts?

  Heart Transplants:

  • Limited availability of donated hearts
  • Need for anti-rejection drugs

  
  

  Artificial Hearts:

  • Temporary solution
  • Increased risk of blood clotting