4.5.11

Cardiovascular Disease

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Atheromas

Atheromas are the deposition of materials in the walls of the arteries causing a blockage. Atheromas can cause a number of cardiovascular diseases.

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Deposition

  • The endothelium of arteries can become damaged by the deposition of white blood cells and lipids.
  • If white blood cells and fatty materials continue to be deposited in the artery walls, the materials will begin to form hard, fibrous plaque.
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Narrow lumen

  • As the fibrous plaque builds up, the lumen of the artery becomes narrower.
  • The flow of blood through the arteries is restricted.
  • The narrower lumen also increases blood pressure.
  • The presence of the fibrous plaque is called an atheroma.
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Coronary heart disease

  • Atheromas can cause diseases of the heart.
  • Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a type of disease that is associated with many atheromas.

Aneurysm & Thrombosis

Atheromas can increase the risk of two types of diseases:

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Aneurysm

  • Atheromas damage the artery walls and increase blood pressure.
  • The increased blood pressure can cause the elastic fibres in the artery wall to swell in balloon-like structure.
  • This swelling is an aneurysm.
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Thrombosis

  • Atheromas can damage the artery walls, causing them to burst open.
  • Platelets are transported in the bloodstream to the damaged part of the artery wall.
  • The platelets accumulate and form a clot called a thrombus.
  • A thrombus can block blood flow in the artery.

Risk Factors

There are certain risk factors that can increase the chance of developing cardiovascular disease. These include:

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Diet

  • A diet that is high in saturated fat and salt can lead to high blood cholesterol levels.
  • Cholesterol in the blood can contribute to the formation of atheromas in the arteries.
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Smoking

  • Smoking cigarettes increases the risk of high blood pressure.
  • Carbon monoxide found in cigarettes reduces the amount of oxygen that can be carried by haemoglobin in the blood.
  • Reduced transport of oxygen can increase the risk of a heart attack.
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High blood pressure

  • High blood pressure can be inherited or it can be caused by being overweight and consuming excessive alcohol.
  • High blood pressure can contribute to the formation of atheromas.

Jump to other topics

1Principles of Science I

1.1Structure & Bonding

1.2Properties of Substances

1.3Cell Structure & Function

1.4Cell Specialisation

1.5Tissue Structure & Function

1.6Working with Waves

1.7Waves in Communication

2Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques

3Science Investigation Skills

4Principles of Science II

4.1Extracting Elements

4.2Relating Properties to use of Substances

4.3Organic Chemistry

4.4Energy Changes in Industry

4.5The Circulatory System

4.6Ventilation & Gas Exchange

4.7Urinary System

4.8Cell Transport

4.9Thermal Physics

4.10Materials

4.11Fluids

5Contemporary Issues in Science

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