CHD

• coronary heart disease


  occurs when coronary arteries that supply the heart muscle become blocked with a buildup of fatty material; restricting the supply of oxygen to the heart, possibly leading to a heart attack or death
• stent


  a metal mesh tube that is inserted into a blocked artery so that it remains open; the stent is inflated using a balloon which is later removed to allow free blood flow
• advantages and disadvantages of stents


  +

  -insertion can be carried out with anaesthetic

  -quick recovery time

  -lowers the risk of a heart attack

  -

  risk of blood clots at the site
• statins


  drugs which reduce the level of bad cholesterol which contributes to the development of CHD
• advantages and disadvantages of statins


  +

  reduce risk of strokes, CHD and heart attack

  increases level of good cholesterol

  -

  may have side effects

  effects may not be immediate
• heart bypass surgery


  where blocked coronary arteries are replaced with sections of veins taken from other parts of the body
• consequences of a leaky heart valve


  blood will flow in the wrong direction, causing the heart to become less efficient
• what can replace a leaky heart valve


  -mechanical - made of metal or polymers

  -biological - taken from animals; pigs
• advantages and disadvantages of mechanical valves


  +

  last for a very long time

  -

  need to take medication to prevent blood clotting around the valve
• advantages and disadvantages of heart valves


  +

  work very well - no medication required

  
  

  -

  only last 12-15 years
• artificial hearts


  intended to support a patients heart whilst they wait for a suitable donor