Cardiovascular disease T1 Flashcards
How does the structure of the aorta relate to it’s function?
3
- Thick wall/ lots of collagen.
- So it may withstand high pressure/ avoid rupture.
- Elastic muscle.
- Control flow of blood/ maintain high pressure.
- Smooth endothelial wall to avoid friction.
- Large lumen to accommodate a high volume of blood.
Describe differences between the structure of a capillary and the structure of a vein.
(2)
- Capillary walls are on cell thick.
- No valves in capillaries.
- Capillaries have narrower lumen.
- Capillaries have pores.
Explain why a blood clot in an artery leading to the brain could cause a stroke.
(3)
- Reduced blood flow.
- Less oxygen/glucose reaches the brain.
- Less/no aerobic respiration.
- Less/no ATP produced.
- Brain needs a lot of ATP/energy to function.
- Lactic acid produced during anaerobic respiration.
- Lactic acid inhibits enzymes.
Callum’s family have a history of strokes.
Suggest lifestyle changes Callum could make to reduce his risk of suffering a stroke in later life.
(2)
- Less saturated fat/cholesterol.
- Less salt.
- Less/moderate alcohol.
- Increase activity/regular exercise.
- Reduce stress.
- Reduced smoking.
- Reduced/healthy BMI.
Explain the benefits of plant statins to human health.
2
- Lower blood cholesterol.
- Less chance of CVD.
- Inhibition of cholesterol synthesis in liver.
Why would a CVD patient take platelet inhibitory drugs, such as aspirin.
(2)
- Prevents platelets from becoming sticky.
- Preventing the formation of a clot.
- Preventing CVD, for example a stroke.
Why would a CVD patient take antihypertensives such as beta-blockers.
(2)
- Reduce blood pressure.
- Lower heart rate.
- Prevent muscles in vessel walls contracting.
Explain the role of antihypertensive drugs in reducing the risk of atherosclerosis.
(4)
- Antihypertensive drugs lower blood pressure.
- Lowered blood pressure reduces risk to damage to endothelium in artery,
- Reduced risk of inflammatory response.
- Reduced risk of atheroma formation.
Describe differences between the structure of an artery and a capillary.
(2)
- Artery has thicker walls.
- Arteries have more collagen.
- Arteries have more muscle.
- Arteries have more elastic tissue.
- Arteries have no pores/capillaries do.
- Capillaries have narrower lumen.