Coronary heart disease 4.2.2.4

Question 1

What is coronary heart disease and what can be the consequence of it?

Answer 1

• fatty deposits build up in coronary arteries
• makes arties more narrow and reduces blood flow to the heart muscle
• less oxygen = less glucose = less respiration = less energy = heart unable to contract. This can cause a heart attack

Question 2

How does stents treat CHD and what are the pros and cons?

Answer 2

-A tube is inserted inside the artery to keep it open to make sure that blood can pass through.
Pros
-Blocked artery is held open so blood can flow to the heart
-Fast recovery time
-Effective for a long time
Cons
-Risk of complications during surgery e.g. heart attack
-Risk of infection from surgery
-Risk of developing thrombosis (blood clot) near the stent

Question 3

How does statin treat CHD and what are the pros and cons?

Answer 3

-a pill that needs to be taken
Pros
-Reduces ‘bad’ cholesterol (LDL)
-Increases ‘good’ cholesterol (HDL)
-May help prevent other diseases
-Slows down the build up of fatty material so blood can flow to the heart
Cons
-Long term drug that must be taken regularly and for a long time
-Side effects – headaches, liver damage, kidney failure, memory loss
-Not instant! Takes time for an effect

Question 4

What are the pros and cons of artificial heart?

Answer 4

Pros
-Less likely to be rejected by the person’s immune system
-Keeps patient alive until a donor can be found or can be permanent.
-Can allow the patients heart to rest to aid recovery
Cons
-Surgery risks – infection and bleeding
-Not as good as a natural heart
-Not as smooth – could lead to blood clots and strokes
-Need drugs to thin blood

Question 5

What are the pros and cons of a heart transplant?

Answer 5

Pros:
- may be the only solution to save a person
- reduces reliance on continual medicine
- provides the person a better quality of life after transplant
Cons
- high risk operation
- high cost
- limited supply of suitable donors

Question 6

What can weaken you heart valves?

Answer 6

• heart attack
• infection
• age

Question 7

How can you treat a faulty valve?

Answer 7

Biological - valves from humans/pigs/cows

Mechanical - made of titanium

Question 8

What are the pros and cons of valve treatment?

Answer 8

Pro - Replacing a valve is much less drastic than replacing an entire heart and can last 12-15 years.
Con - still has risks of surgery