disease Flashcards
What is coronary heart disease?
Coronary heart disease occurs when the coronary arteries that supply the heart muscle become blocked with a buildup of fatty material.
- This restricts the supply of oxygen to the heart,
possibly leading to a heart attack or death.
What is a stent and how does it work?
A stent is a metal mesh tube that is inserted into a blocked artery so that it remains open.
- The stent is inflated using a balloon, which is later removed to allow blood to flow freely.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of stents?
Advantages
● Insertion can be carried out without general anaesthetic
● Quick recovery time
● Lower the risk of a heart attack
Disadvantages
● Risk of postoperative infection
● Risk of blood clots at site of stent
What are statins?
Statins are drugs which reduce the level of LDL (bad) cholesterol which contributes to the development of coronary heart disease.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of statins?
Advantages
● Reduce risk of strokes, coronary heart disease and heart attacks
● Increase level of HDL (good) cholesterol
Disadvantages
● Have to be taken continuously
● May have side effects
● Effect may not be immediate
What is a heart bypass surgery?
A surgery where blocked coronary arteries are replaced with sections of veins taken from other parts of the body.
What are the consequences of leaky heart valves?
Blood flows in the wrong direction, causing the heart to become less efficient. Patients may become breathless and die as a result.
What types of valves can replace leaky valves?
● Mechanical - made of metal or polymers
● Biological - taken from animals (pigs, sometimes humans)
What are the advantages and disadvantages of mechanical valves?
Advantages
● Last for a very long time
Disadvantages
● Need to take medication to prevent blood
clotting around valve
What are the advantages and disadvantages of biological valves?
Advantages
● Work very well - no medication required
Disadvantages
● Only lasts 12-15 years
What is the purpose of an artificial heart?
Artificial hearts are intended to support a patient’s heart while they wait for a suitable donor heart.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of artificial hearts?
Advantages
● Less likely to be rejected by immune system
● Allows damaged heart to rest to help recovery
Disadvantages
● Risk of infection due to surgery
● Risk of blood clots
● Have to take blood-thinning drugs
