11.5 Coronary artery disease

Question 1

Arteriosclerosis

Answer 1

Arteries are elastic to account for changing blood pressure
overtime too much pressure causes them to harden, which we call arteriosclerosis
This happens from fatty plaque that builds up on the walls
From fat, cholesterol and calcium
We name this condition atherosclerosis
In the coronary arteries, it is called coronary artery disease (CAD)

Question 2

CAD (causes and cholesterol)

Answer 2

Causes:
High blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, smoking, physical inactivity, gender and genetics
Cholesterol:
Fatty substances produced in the liver and carried in the blood
These fats cannot dissolve in blood, so they remain solid

Question 3

Symptoms of CAD

Answer 3

Common symptom is angina
Chest area pains, but also in the left shoulder, arm or neck
Caused by reduced blood supply to the cardiac muscles, triggered by physical demand
Treated with nitroglycerine, which increases the diameter of the coronary arteries

Question 4

Myocardial infarction

Answer 4

When an area of the heart muscle tissue dies due to a lack of oxygen
Plaque in the artery ruptures causing blood clots
Blocks blood flow, needs to be removed in 20-40 mins or cells can die
Leads to a heart attack which can be
Heart attack indicators
Chest pain, difficulty breathing, pain in arm, back and jaw, nausea, vomiting and sweating
However ¼ cases have no symptoms

Question 5

Treatment of CAD