Coronary heart disease
Fatty material can build up inside coronary arteries, narrowing them. Less blood reaches the heart muscle, so it receives less oxygen for aerobic respiration. A blockage may cause a heart attack.
Lesson 2.10 · AQA Combined Science
Coronary heart disease and treatment
Stents and statins
A stent is a mesh tube that keeps a narrowed artery open and improves blood flow. Insertion involves a procedure with risks such as infection or blood clots. Statins lower blood cholesterol, slowing fatty deposit formation. They require ongoing use and can cause side effects.
Valves and pacemakers
A faulty valve may not open fully, restricting flow, or may leak, allowing backflow. Replacement valves can be mechanical or biological. Mechanical valves are durable but may require medicines to reduce clotting; biological valves may wear out and need replacement. Artificial pacemakers correct some irregular heart rhythms.
Severe heart failure
A donor heart may replace a failing heart. Benefits include improved quality of life; limitations include donor shortage, major surgery and rejection risk, often requiring immunosuppressant medicines. Artificial hearts can provide temporary support while waiting for a transplant or during recovery.
Evaluate the choice
Link the treatment to the problem. Compare the likely benefit with a relevant limitation. A stent opens a narrowed artery; it does not replace a faulty heart valve. This lesson describes exam science, not a treatment choice for an individual.
Remember
Fatty deposits reduce coronary blood flow. Match each treatment to its benefit and limitation.
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