Cardiovascular Disease

• What does cardiovascular disease refer to?

  Diseases of the heart or blood vessels
• What happens to coronary arteries in coronary heart disease?

  They get blocked by fatty material buildup
• What is the consequence of narrowed coronary arteries?

  Restricted blood flow and lack of oxygen
• What are stents used for?

  To keep arteries open
• How do stents help the heart?

  They ensure blood can pass to heart muscles
• What is a risk associated with stent surgery?

  Risk of complications like heart attack
• What is thrombosis in relation to stents?

  Development of a blood clot near the stent
• What is cholesterol?

  An essential lipid produced by the body
• What type of cholesterol is considered "bad"?

  LDL cholesterol
• How does 'bad' cholesterol affect arteries?

  It causes fatty deposits to form inside arteries
• What do statins do?

  Reduce 'bad' cholesterol in the bloodstream
• What is one advantage of statins?

  They reduce the risk of heart attacks
• How do statins affect 'good' cholesterol?

  They can increase HDL cholesterol levels
• What is a potential side effect of statins?

  Headaches and serious conditions like kidney failure
• How long does it take for statins to show effects?

  They take time to show their effects
• What is the main purpose of artificial hearts?

  To pump blood for patients with heart failure
• Why are artificial hearts less likely to be rejected?

  They are made from metals or plastics
• What are some risks associated with artificial hearts?

  Bleeding, infection, and blood clots
• What can faulty heart valves lead to?

  Poor blood circulation
• How can severe valve damage be treated?

  By replacing the damaged valve
• What is artificial blood used for?

  To replace lost blood volume in emergencies
• What is an ideal characteristic of artificial blood?

  To replace the function of lost red blood cells
• What is a disadvantage of artificial hearts?

  They don't work as well as natural hearts
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of stents and statins?

  Advantages of stents:

  • Keep arteries open
  • Quick recovery time
  • Long-term effectiveness

  
  

  Disadvantages of stents:

  • Risk of complications during surgery
  • Risk of infection
  • Risk of thrombosis

  
  

  Advantages of statins:

  • Reduce 'bad' cholesterol
  • Lower risk of heart attacks
  • Increase 'good' cholesterol

  
  

  Disadvantages of statins:

  • Must be taken regularly
  • Possible serious side effects
  • Delayed effects
• What are the treatments for faulty heart valves?

  • Replacement with biological valves (from humans or animals)
  • Replacement with mechanical valves (man-made)
  • Less drastic than a heart transplant
  • Major surgery with risks of blood clots
• What are the uses of artificial blood?

  • Replace lost blood volume in emergencies
  • Safe if no air bubbles are present
  • Can keep patients alive after significant blood loss
  • Research ongoing for products that mimic red blood cell function