Topic 2b - health and disease (2. cardiovascular disease) Flashcards
what is cardio vascular disease
diseases of the heart or blood vessels. e.g. coronary heart disease.
what is chd
when arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle (coronary arteries) get blocked by fatty layers. this cause the arteries to become narrow so blood flow is restricted meaning there’s a lack of oxygen to the heart and can result in a heart attack.
name 5 ways cardiovascular diseases can be treated
stents statins artificial hearts replacement heart valves artificial blood
what are stents
wire mesh tubes that can be inserted inside arteries yo widen and keep them open.
a + d of stents
a = lowers risk of a heart attack, effective for a long time, recovery time in surgery is quick d = complications during the operation, risk of blood clot
what are statins
drugs that can reduce the amount of bad cholesterol present the blood stream. taking statins slows down production of fatty deposits.
a + d of statins
a = reduces amount of cholesterol, reduce risk of strokes, increase the amount of beneficial cholesterol. d = long term drug that must be taken regularly, negative side effects, effect is not instant.
what are artificial hearts
if a patient has heart failure doctors may perform a heart transplant using donors. however if donors are not available then. doctors may fit in an artificial heart. these are devices that pump blood for a person who’s own heart has failed.
a + d of artificial hearts
a = less likely to be rejected than a donor d = surgery can lead to bleeding and infection, don't work as well, can cause blood clots, has to take drugs to stop blood clots, may be uncomfortable
what are replacement heart valves
over time valves in the heart can be damaged. damage may cause valve tissue to stiffen, or valves will become leaky allowing blood to flow in both directions.
a + d of replacement heart valves
a = less drastic procedure than a heart transplant d = still major surgery can be problems with blood clots
what is artificial blood
a blood substitute that is used when a lost volume of blood is needed to be replaced.
