Cardiovascular Disease Flashcards
1
Q
What is coronary heart disease & what can it lead to?
A
When coronary arteries contain many atheromas which restrict blood flow to heart. Can lead to a myocardial infarction
2
Q
What is myocardial infarction?
A
Heart attack
3
Q
What are atheromas?
A
Fibrous plaques made of fatty material
4
Q
How do atheromas occur?
A
When endothelium of artery is damaged by high blood pressure. White blood cells & platelets try to repair damage. They clump together with lipids to form fatty streaks under the lining. Over time it builds up to form an atheroma
5
Q
What does the atheroma do?
A
Partially blocks lumen of artery & restricts blood flow, increasing blood pressure causing more atheromas
6
Q
How might a placebo affect a study?
A
Remove chance of bias
