H+SC - Human Biology and Health C

How does atherosclerosis cause Coronary Heart Disease (CHD)?

Atherosclerosis leads to the buildup of plaque in the arteries, narrowing blood flow and reducing oxygen delivery to the heart. This can result in chest pain (angina) and increase the risk of heart attacks, ultimately causing Coronary Heart Disease (CHD).

What are the causes of atherosclerosis? ​

Atherosclerosis is primarily caused by factors such as high cholesterol levels, smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity. Inflammation and damage to the arterial walls also play a crucial role in the development of this condition.

How does hypertension cause Coronary Heart Disease (CHD)?

Hypertension causes Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) by increasing the workload on the heart and leading to arterial damage. This can result in atherosclerosis, which narrows the arteries, restricting blood flow and elevating the risk of heart attacks.

What are the causes of hypertension?​

Hypertension is caused by a combination of genetic factors, unhealthy lifestyle choices such as high salt intake, lack of physical activity, obesity, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption. It can also be influenced by conditions such as diabetes and kidney disease.

How does Coronary Heart Disease cause the primary effect of a heart attack?  ​

1. Plague buildup

2. Narrowing of arteries

3. Plague rupture

4. Blood clot formation

5. Blocked blood flow

6. Heart muscle damage

How does Coronary Heart Disease cause the primary effect of angina?  ​

1. Plague buildup in arteries

2. Narrowed arteries

3. Reduced oxygen supply

4. Ischemia (oxygen shortage)

5. Chest pain or discomfort

How does Coronary Heart Disease cause the primary effect of heart failure? 

1. Narrowed coronary arteries

2. Repeated ischemia (oxygen shortage)

3. Heart attack

4. Reduced pumping efficiency

5. Heart failure develops

How does Coronary Heart Disease cause the secondary effect of shortness of breath? 

1. Reduced blood flow to heart muscle

2. Weakened heart muscle

3. Decreased pumping ability

4. Blood backs up into the lungs

5. Fluid acculumation in the lungs (pulmonary congestion)

6. Shortness of breath develops

How does Coronary Heart Disease cause the secondary effect of dizziness? 

1. Narrowed coronary arteries

2. Weakened heart function

3. Reduced blood flow to the brain

4. Temporary lack of oxygen

5. Dizziness occurs

How does Coronary Heart Disease cause the secondary effect of nausea and vomiting?  ​

1. Heart muscle ischemia (low oxygen)

2. Heart attack activates in autonomic nervous system

3. Stimulation of the vomiting centre in the brain

4. Reduced blood flow to the digestive tract

5. Anxiety and stress

How is the structure and function of the cardiovascular system is affected by Coronary Heart Disease?

Atherosclerosis= Narrowed coronary arteries

Plague= Arterial wall damage

Blocked arteries= Heart muscle damage

Narrowed arteries= Reduced blood flow to the heart muscle

Damage to heart= Weakened pumping ability

Heart failure= Failure to deliver oxygen to the heart

Irregular heartbeats= Death of heart tissue due to lack of oxygen