11) Cardiovascular diseases:

1. Cardiovascular Disease Overview

• Cardiovascular disease refers to conditions affecting the heart or blood vessels, particularly coronary heart disease.

• Coronary heart disease occurs when coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart muscle, become narrowed due to fatty material build-up.

  • Consequence: Restricted blood flow leads to less oxygen for the heart, risking heart attacks.

2. Stents

• Purpose: Stents keep coronary arteries open so blood can flow to the heart muscle.

• How They Work:

  • Stents are tubes inserted into arteries to expand the artery walls.

  • They push against fatty deposits, creating more space in the artery’s center for blood flow.

  • Benefit: Reduced chance of heart attacks, keeps heart muscle supplied with blood.

• Risks:

  • Thrombosis: Blood clots can form near the stent, leading to complications.

  • Infection: There's a risk of infection from the surgery.

3. Cholesterol and Statins

• Cholesterol: An essential fat that the body needs, but high levels of "bad" (LDL) cholesterol can cause fatty deposits in arteries, leading to coronary heart disease.

• Statins: Medications that reduce LDL cholesterol levels in the blood.

  • Result: Slows the formation of fatty deposits in arteries.

4. Statins - Advantages and Disadvantages