Cardiovascular disease Flashcards
why is coronary heart disease life-threatening
it is when the coronary arteries get blocked up by layers of fatty material building up
causes arteries to become narrow so blood flow is restricted and there’s a lack of oxygen to the heart
can result in a heart attack
how do stents keep arteries open
pushes artery wall out, squashing fatty deposite
what are stents
tubes inserted inside arteries to keep them open to keep the heart beating
why do statins reduce cholesterol in the blood
too much cholesterol can cause fatty deposits that form inside arteries that can lead to coronary heart disease
advantages of statins
reduce heart attacks and heart disease
increase beneficial cholesterol
can prevent other diseases
disadvantages of ststins
long-term - have to be taken regularly
negative side effects - headaches, kidney failure, liver damage and memory loss
effects take time
why are artificial heat pumps used to pump blood around the body
less likely to be rejected
can lead to bleeding or infection
why and how can faulty hearts be replaced
if the valves in the heart are damaged - valve tissue to stiffen or become leaky
replacements can be taken from animals or humans or be man-made
less dramatic than a whole heart transplant
how can artificial blood keep you alive in an emergency
used whilst body is making moe blood
