Part 5: Coronary Heart Disease Flashcards
What is meant by the term ‘coronary heart disease’?
When the coronary arteries supplying blood to the heart muscle become narrow
Explain the consequences to the heart muscle cells if there is a reduction in blood flow
Less oxygen and glucose can reach the cells, so they can’t respire properly and won’t have enough energy to contract properly
Describe the health problems caused by a reduction in blood supply to the heart muscle.
- Pain (angina) caused by the lack of CO2
- Heart attack when part of the heart muscle dies
- Death
Explain what a stent is and how it works
- The stent enters through a blocked coronary artery
- Balloon inflated to open blood vessels and stent
- Stent holds artery open
Discuss the advantages of using stents (3)
Blood supply is returned to heart, so the risk of heart attack is low
Less risky than heart transplant
Small recovery time
Discuss a disadvantage of using stents
Could cause blood clots
Evaluate the pros and cons of alternative treatments that are available instead of using stents (2)
1.Bypass surgery
Pros: can be used on arteries that are so badly blocked that stents can’t be used
Cons: expensive, risks associated with general aesthetic
2. Statins
Pros: reduce cholesterol levels
Cons: rate size effect from drugs
Why might a patient need a heart transplant? (3)
Heart failure caused by coronary heart disease, heart attack, infection of drugs
Born with structural defect in your heart
Injury to heart following an accident
Discuss the social and scientific pros and cons of using heart transplants
1.Scientific
Pros- If the transplant is successful, it should provide a long-term cure; the new heart will pump blood and oxygen effectively
Cons - not enough donors; operation is risky; donor heart must be the same tissue type
2.Social
Pros: Prolongs life; better quality of life as if the transplant is successful, it should completely remove symptoms.
Cons: Expensive; patient stays in hospital for a long time to recover; if patient doesn’t alter their lifestyle, then it could reoccur.
Discuss the scientific and social pros and cons for the continued development of artificial hearts
1.Scientific
Pros: Supports natural heart keeping patients alive long enough to receive a transplant or recover; small chance of rejection
Cons: Risk of blood clotting (which can be fatal); permanent replacement with a machine still not possible
2.Social
Pros: Prolongs life; better quality of life as less symptoms of coronary heart disease
Cons : Patients often have to wait in the hospital; extremely expensive - could money be better spent on other cheaper treatments
What is the function of the natural pacemaker?
The natural pacemaker controls the resting rhythm of a healthy heart
What can happen if the natural pacemaker stops working properly?
The person affected will not get enough oxygen
How can a natural pacemaker that isn’t working properly be treated?
An artificial pacemaker is implanted into your chest into your chest and sends strong, regular electrical signals to your heart that stimulate it to beat properly
Why might leaky valves develop?
Because heart valves have to withstand a lot of pressure
What problems can leaky valves cause?
People affected may become breathless and without treatment will eventually die
