Y9 Biology - CHD

Coronary heart disease

Layers of fatty material build up inside coronary arteries, narrowing them and reducing blood flow to the heart muscle

Effect of CHD

Reduced oxygen supply to heart muscle can cause pain, heart attacks, or heart failure

Stents

Metal mesh tubes inserted into arteries to keep them open and maintain blood flow

Advantages of stents

Quick recovery, effective long‑term solution, reduces risk of heart attack

Disadvantages of stents

Risk of infection, blood clot formation, or re‑narrowing of artery

Statins

Drugs that lower blood cholesterol, slowing fatty deposit build‑up

Advantages of statins

Reduce risk of heart disease and stroke, proven long‑term benefits

Disadvantages of statins

Must be taken regularly, may cause side effects like muscle pain or liver damage

Faulty heart valves

Valves may not open fully or may leak, reducing blood efficiency

Valve replacement

Faulty valves replaced with biological (from animals/humans) or mechanical valves

Advantages of valve replacement

Restores normal blood flow, improves heart function

Disadvantages of valve replacement

Risk of surgery complications, blood clots, or need for lifelong medication

Heart transplant

Replacement of a failing heart with a donor heart

Advantages of heart transplant

Can save lives and restore normal heart function

Disadvantages of heart transplant

Risk of rejection, long waiting lists, need for immunosuppressant drugs

Artificial heart

Mechanical device used temporarily to keep patients alive while waiting for a transplant or to rest the heart

Advantages of artificial heart

Keeps blood pumping when heart fails, reduces strain before transplant

Disadvantages of artificial heart

Expensive, risk of infection or blood clots, limited lifespan