Heart disease

• coronary heart disease 


  Build up of fatty material in coronary arteries. can lead to a blood clot and a heart attack
• risk factors for CHD include smoking, high cholesterol levels, obesity, lack of exercise, diabetes
• Stent

  • Wire mesh that opens up a blocked artery
  • keeps artery open. Low-risk surgery
  • fatty material can rebuild
• Statin

  • Drug that reduces cholesterol
  • reduces fat being deposited in arteries
  • side effects e.g. liver damage
• Heart transplant

  • Replacement heart from a donor
  • long-term
  • major surgery, could be rejected
• Artificial heart

  • Man-made heart used while waiting for a transplant
  • not rejected. Keeps patient alive
  • short life-time, battery has to be transported, limited activity
• Mechanical heart valve

  • Mechanical replacement of faulty heart valve
  • can last a life-time
  • can damage red blood cells
• Biological heart valve

  • Biological replacement of faulty heart valve
  • don't damage red blood cells
  • valve hardens and may need replacing