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
Advantages | Disadvantages: |
Reduces risk of cardiovascular events like strokes, coronary heart disease, and heart attacks. | Long-term commitment: Must be taken regularly; missing doses reduces effectiveness. |
Increases "good" cholesterol (HDL) levels, which helps remove LDL cholesterol from the blood. | Side effects: Includes headaches; rare but serious effects include kidney failure, liver damage, and memory loss. |
Potential to prevent other diseases (suggested by studies). | Delayed Effect: Statins take time to work; benefits aren't immediate. |