11.1.4 Coronary Heart Disease

• What provides the heart muscle with oxygenated blood?

  The coronary arteries
• How do coronary arteries supply blood to the heart muscle?

  They wrap around the heart and are branches of the aorta
• What is the consequence of fatty deposits and cholesterol building up in artery walls?

  It narrows the blood vessel
• What effect does narrowing of the blood vessel have on blood flow?

  It reduces blood flow through the vessel
• What do heart muscle cells require to respire?

  Oxygen and glucose
• What happens to the heart muscle when it does not receive oxygen and glucose?

  The heart muscle cannot contract
• What waste product builds up when the heart muscle cells do not receive enough oxygen?

  Carbon dioxide
• What is the ultimate consequence of the heart muscle not receiving sufficient oxygen and glucose?

  The heart muscle dies
• What are the risk factors for coronary heart disease (CHD)?

  1. Smoking
  2. High intake of animal fats
  3. Lack of exercise
• How can one reduce the risks of coronary heart disease?

  1. Quit smoking
  2. Reduce animal fats in the diet
  3. Exercise regularly (to promote weight loss and reduce blood pressure)