Coronary Heart Disease

Question 1

What happens to the coronary arteries in
coronary heart disease and explain how this affects the heart muscle.

Answer 1

The coronary arteries is blocked by a build-up of fatty material. If a blockage builds up, the blood can no longer reach the heart cells. This can cause the death of the heart muscle due to the lack of O2 and glucose since they can no longer respire to release energy.

Question 2

Describe how stents are used to treat coronary
heart disease

Answer 2

Stents push out the fat to restore blood flow.

Question 3

Describe how statins are used to treat coronary
heart disease.

Answer 3

Statins are drugs that help to lower cholesterol in the blood to prevent fat build-up.

Question 4

Explain when an artificial heart might be used.

Answer 4

Artificial hearts are plastic devices used occasionally to keep patients alive whilst waiting for a heart transplant. They can also be used to allow a patient’s heart to rest to help it recover.

Question 5

What are 2 disadvantages of statins?

Answer 5

Not suitable for people with liver disease. Must be taken for life.

Question 6

What is 1 disadvantage of stents?

Answer 6

There is a risk of infection from surgery

Question 7

What is 1 advantage of statins?

Answer 7

Reduce the risk of heart attack.

Question 8

What is 1 advantage of stents?

Answer 8

Widen coronary arteries that have not responded to drug treatment.

Question 9

What is 1 advantage of heart transplant?

Answer 9

Improve quality of life.

Question 10

What are 2 disadvantages of heart transplants?

Answer 10

Few donor hearts are available.
There is a risk of rejection by the body’s immune system.