Coronary heart disease

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is when layers of fatty material build up inside the coronary arteries, narrowing them.

This reduces the flow of blood and oxygen to the heart muscle.

Without enough oxygen, heart muscle cells cannot respire, which can cause them to die, leading to a heart attack.

Risk Factors for CHD include:

Diet: High-fat foods increase cholesterol levels, contributing to fatty deposits.
Smoking: Increases the risk of damage to blood vessels.
Lack of exercise: Leads to poor cardiovascular health.

The build up of fatty deposits in coronary arteries

Treatments for CHD

Statins:

Reduce blood cholesterol levels, slowing down fatty material deposits.
Advantages:
- Effective at reducing cholesterol levels.
Disadvantages:
- Must be taken regularly.
- Can take time to work.
- May cause side effects.

Stents:

Mesh tubes inserted into narrowed coronary arteries to keep them open.
Advantages:
- Allow blood to flow, reducing the risk of a heart attack.
- Long-lasting.
Disadvantages:
- Requires surgery, which carries risks of infection and blood clots.

Heart Transplants:

Replacement of a failing heart with a donor heart.
Advantages:
- Can restore normal heart function.
Disadvantages:
- Donor hearts are limited and may not be available when needed.
- Risk of rejection by the body.
- Requires surgery, increasing the risk of infection.

Artificial Hearts:

Temporary devices used while waiting for a transplant or to allow the heart to recover.
Advantages:
- Not rejected by the body.
Disadvantages:
- Risk of mechanical failure.
- Requires surgery, increasing the risk of infection.

Heart Valve Replacement:

Used when valves become faulty (e.g., do not open fully or develop leaks).
Faulty valves reduce oxygen delivery to the body, causing fatigue.
Types of Valves:
- Biological valves (from animals or humans).
- Mechanical valves (man-made materials).

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