A disease where the arteries which supply blood to the muscles around the heart become blocked by fatty material, therefore restricting blood flow and limiting the oxygen supplied to the heart
What can coronary heart disease result in?
Heart attacks
How do stents fight against coronary heart disease?
They push the wall of the arteries out and squash the fatty deposits creating more space for blood to flow
Are stents a short or long term solution to coronary heart disease?
Long term
Is recovery from stent surgery fast or slow?
Fast
What risks can happen as a result of stent surgery?
There is a risk of infection and a risk of blood clotting near the stent
What is it called when a blood clto forms near a stent?
Thrombosis
What do statins do?
They reduce cholesterol in the blood stream, reducing the risk of fatty deposit build up
Which type of cholesterol can cause health problems?
LDL cholesterol
What is cholesterol?
A lipid produced by the body which is necessary for normal bodily function, but too much can cause problems
Is a statin a drug or a procedure?
A drug
What are the advantages of statins?
Reduces risk of strokes, coronary heart disease and heart attacks
Reduces 'bad' cholesterol and can increase beneficial cholesterol which removes 'bad' cholesterol
May prevent other diseases
What are the disadvantages of statins?
Long term drug which must be taken regularly
Can cause negative side effects which can be very serious like kidney failure