Cardiovascular Diseases

• What are cardiovascular diseases primarily related to?

  Heart and blood vessels
• What is a key feature of cardiovascular diseases?

  They are non-communicable
• 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 inside them
• What is the effect 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
• What are two common treatments for coronary heart disease?

  Statins and stents
• How do statins help in treating coronary heart disease?

  They reduce cholesterol levels in blood
• What is a disadvantage of using 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 prevent other blockages
• What issues can arise with heart valves?

  They may not fully open or can be leaky
• What can faulty heart valves cause?

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

  Mechanical valves 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 a disadvantage of animal valves?

  They do not last as long
• What is heart failure?

  The heart cannot pump enough blood
• What can be done for patients with heart failure?

  They can receive a donated heart
• What are two problems with heart transplants?

  Shortage of donors and rejection risk
• What is an artificial heart used for?

  As a temporary solution for heart failure
• What is a limitation of artificial hearts?

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

  For a relatively short time