Cardiovascular Disease

These are diseases which are related to the CIRCULATORY SYSTEM.

Coronary Heart Disease

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a significant health condition where the CORONARY ARTERIES (the blood vessels supplying oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle) become narrowed by a gradual build-up of FATTY MATERIAL. This condition can lead to chest pain, shortness of breath, and in severe cases, HEART ATTACKS. 

Treating CHD

1. Stents

• A STENT is a device used to keep coronary arteries OPEN, ensuring adequate blood flow to the heart.
• They are typically made of metal mesh and are inserted into clogged arteries.

• Stents can reduce the symptoms of CHD, like chest pain, and help minimise the risk of a heart attack by preventing the artery from re-narrowing.

2. Statins

• STATINS are a class of DRUGS used to lower cholesterol levels in the blood, particularly the 'bad' LDL cholesterol that contributes to fatty deposit build-up.
• By reducing LDL levels, statins help to slow the progression of CHD and can also stabilise existing fatty deposits, making it less likely to cause a heart attack.

Advantages of Statins

• Statins are proven to decrease the chances of STROKE and HEART DISEASE.
• They contribute to increasing 'good' cholesterol, which helps remove bad cholesterol from the body.

Disadvantages of Statins

• Regular, long-term medication is required, which means they must be taken as prescribed without interruption.
• Potential SIDE EFFECTS may impact patients' well-being and can range from mild to severe.
• The positive effects of statins on cholesterol levels are gradual and require time to become significant.

3. Artificial Hearts

• ARTIFICIAL HEARTS may be utilised when a patient's heart has failed and a heart transplant isn't immediately available or suitable.
• These devices are typically a temporary solution but can sometimes be permanent.
• The key benefit is REDUCED RISK OF REJECTION by the body's immune system because they are made from MAN-MADE materials, unlike donor hearts.
• However, there are risks of BLEEDING and INFECTION.
• Mechanical parts of the artificial heart can wear out, and the electrical motor could fail.

4. Valve Replacement Therapies

• Damaged or faulty heart valves can be replaced with BIOLOGICAL or MECHANICAL valves.
• Biological valves are derived from other mammals, like cows or pigs.
• Mechanical valves are man-made and durable.
• Valve replacement is significant surgery but less so than heart transplantation.