Cardiovascular Diseases

• Cardiovascular diseases are non-communicable diseases of the heart and blood vessels
• An example of a cardiovascular disease is coronary heart disease which is caused by a build up of fatty material in the coronary arteries, causing the coronary arteries to narrow, and reducing the flow of blood resulting in a lack of oxygen for the heart muscle that can sometimes cause heart attacks
• Coronary heart disease can be treated through the usage of Statins (drugs) which reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood, slowing down the rate of fatty materials building up in the arteries. Whilst statins do reduce the risk of coronary heart disease, however have side effects such as liver problems
• In some cases, coronary heart disease can cause almost a total blockage of a coronary artery which is treated using a stent (tube) which can be inserted into the coronary artery to keep it open. This allows the blood to flow normally through the artery but cannot prevent other regions in the coronary arteries from narrowing. This does not treat the underlying causes of the disease.
• Sometimes the heart valves do not fully open, requiring the heart to pump extra hard to get the blood through, causing the heart to enlarge. The valves can also be leaky which can cause the patient to feel weak and tired.
• In the case of faulty heart valves, they can be replaced with a mechanical valve made of metal or a valve from an animal such as a pig. Metal valves can last a lifetime but increase risk of blood-clots requiring anticlotting drugs. Valves from animals do not last long and require replacements but drugs are unnecessary
• In some patients with cardiovascular disease, the heart cannot pump enough blood around the body (heart failure), resulting in the need of a donated heart and possibly lungs. The problem with this is that there are not enough donated hearts available to treat every patient, and patients must take drugs to prevent rejection from the body's immune system.
• Artificial hearts can be given to patients as a temporary solution while waiting for a heart transplant, or to allow a damaged heart to rest. The artificial heart may risk blood clotting however they are not a long-term solution to heart failure.