heart disease

• coronary heart disease (CHD)

  • build up of fatty material in coronary arteries. can lead to blood clot and heart attack.
• stent

  • wire mesh that opens up a blocked artery
  • advantage - keeps artery open. low risk surgery
  • disadvantage - fatty material can rebuild
• statin

  • drug that reduces cholesterol
  • advantage - reduces fat being deposited in arteries
  • disadvantage - side effects e.g. liver damage
• heart transplant

  • replacement heart from a donor
  • advantage - long term
  • disadvantage - major surgery. could be rejected
• artificial heart

  • man made heart used while waiting for a transplant
  • advantage - not rejected. keeps patient alive.
  • disadvantage - short life time. battery has to be transported. limited activity
• mechanical heart valve

  • mechanical replacement of faulty heart valve
  • advantage - can last a life time
  • disadvantage - can damage red blood cells
• biological heart valve

  • biological replacement of faulty heart valve
  • advantage - dont damage red blood cells
  • disadvantage - valve hardens and may need replacing