Cardiovascular

• 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?

  Heart attack
• What are statins used for?

  To reduce cholesterol levels in blood
• 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 a limitation of using a stent?

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

  Heart enlargement and fatigue
• What are the two types of valves used for replacement?

  Mechanical and animal valves
• What is an advantage of mechanical valves?

  They can last a lifetime
• What is a disadvantage of mechanical valves?

  They increase the risk of blood clots
• What is heart failure?

  Inability of the heart to pump enough blood
• What can patients with heart failure receive?

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

  Not enough hearts available for all patients
• 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 limitation of artificial hearts?

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

  For a relatively short time
• What are the key points about cardiovascular diseases and their treatments?

  • Cardiovascular diseases affect heart and blood vessels
  • They are non-communicable and not infectious
  • Common example: coronary heart disease
  • Treatments include statins, stents, valve replacements, and heart transplants
  • Each treatment has advantages and disadvantages