Cardiovascular Disease Flashcards Preview

Biology 2 - Organisation > Cardiovascular Disease > Flashcards

Flashcards in Cardiovascular Disease Deck (8)
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1
Q

What is cardiovascular disease?

A

It is a term used to describe disease of the heart or blood vessels.

2
Q

What is coronary heart disease?

A

When the coronary arteries that supply the blood to the muscle of the heart get blocked by layers of fatty material building up.

3
Q

How can coronary heart disease lead to a heart attack?

A

The muscle of the heart gets blocked by layers of fatty material building up. This causes arteries to become narrow so blood flow is restricted and there’s a lack of oxygen to the heart muscle.

4
Q

What are stents?

A

They are tubes that are inserted inside arteries - they keep them open making sure blood can pass through to the heart muscles - this keeps the persons heart beating (and alive)

5
Q

Why are stents effective?

A

Lowers the risk of hearts attacks in people with coronary heart disease
Effective for a long time
Recovery time from surgery is quick

6
Q

What are the risks of using stents?

A

During operation heart attacks could happen
Risk of infection from the surgery
Thrombosis - risk of developing a blood clot near the stent.

7
Q

What is cholesterol?

A

It is an essential lipid that your body produces and needs to function properly.

8
Q

What happens if a person has too much ‘bad’ cholesterol?

A

Fatty deposits can form inside arteries which could lead to coronary heart disease.