7.2.4
Cardiovascular Disease
Atheromas
Atheromas
Atheromas are the deposition of materials in the walls of the arteries causing a blockage. Atheromas can cause a number of cardiovascular diseases.


Deposition
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.


Narrow lumen
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.


Coronary heart disease
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
Aneurysm & Thrombosis
Atheromas can increase the risk of two types of diseases:


Aneurysm
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.


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


Diet
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.


Smoking
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.


High blood pressure
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.
1Unity & Diversity - Molecules
1.1Water
1.2DNA Structure & Replication
1.3Transcription & Gene Expression
2Unity & Diversity - Cells
2.1The Origin of Cells
2.2Introduction to Cells
2.3Ultrastructure of Cells
2.4Cell Division
2.5Structure of DNA & RNA
2.6DNA Replication, Transcription & Translation
2.7Cell Respiration
2.8Photosynthesis
2.9Viruses
3Unity & Diversity - Organisms
3.1Diversity of Organisms
3.2Evidence for Evolution
4Unity & Diversity - Ecosystems
4.1Classification
4.3Evolution & Speciation
4.3.1Evidence for Evolution - Fossils & DNA
4.3.2Evidence for Evolution - Anatomy & Geography
4.3.3IB Multiple Choice - Evidence for Evolution
4.3.4Extended Response - DNA & Evolution
4.3.5Populations
4.3.6Mutations, Genetic Drift, & Gene Flow
4.3.7Speciation
4.3.8Rate of Speciation
4.3.9Allopatric & Sympatric Speciation
4.4Conservation of Biodiversity
5Form & Function - Molecules
6Form & Function - Cells
6.1Membranes & Membrane Transport
6.2Organelles & Compartmentalization
6.3Cell Specialization
7Form & Function - Organisms
7.2Transport
7.3Muscle & Motility
8Form & Function - Ecosystems
8.1Species, Communities & Ecosytems
8.3Carbon Cycle
9Interaction & Interdependence - Molecules
9.1Enzymes
9.2Metabolism
9.3Cell Respiration
10Interaction & Interdependence - Cells
10.1Chemical Signalling
10.2Neural Signalling
10.3Adaptation to Environment
10.4Ecological Niches
11Interaction & Interdependence - Organisms
11.1Integration of Body Systems
12Interaction & Interdependence - Ecosystems
12.1Populations & Communities
12.2Transfers of Energy & Matter
13Continuity & Change - Molecules
13.1DNA Replication
13.2Protein Synthesis
14Continuity & Change - Cells
15Continuity & Change - Organisms
15.1Inheritance
15.1.1Non-Nuclear Inheritance
15.1.2Linked Genes
15.1.3IB Multiple Choice - Non-Mendelian Genetics
15.1.4Extended Response - Inheritance
15.1.5Introduction to Non-Mendelian Inheritance
15.1.6Chi-Squared Test
15.1.7End of Topic Quiz - Inheritance
15.1.8Sex-Linked Genes
15.1.9Grade 4-5 (Scientific Practices) - Inheritance
16Continuity & Change - Ecosystems
16.1Natural Selection
16.2Stability & Change
Jump to other topics
1Unity & Diversity - Molecules
1.1Water
1.2DNA Structure & Replication
1.3Transcription & Gene Expression
2Unity & Diversity - Cells
2.1The Origin of Cells
2.2Introduction to Cells
2.3Ultrastructure of Cells
2.4Cell Division
2.5Structure of DNA & RNA
2.6DNA Replication, Transcription & Translation
2.7Cell Respiration
2.8Photosynthesis
2.9Viruses
3Unity & Diversity - Organisms
3.1Diversity of Organisms
3.2Evidence for Evolution
4Unity & Diversity - Ecosystems
4.1Classification
4.3Evolution & Speciation
4.3.1Evidence for Evolution - Fossils & DNA
4.3.2Evidence for Evolution - Anatomy & Geography
4.3.3IB Multiple Choice - Evidence for Evolution
4.3.4Extended Response - DNA & Evolution
4.3.5Populations
4.3.6Mutations, Genetic Drift, & Gene Flow
4.3.7Speciation
4.3.8Rate of Speciation
4.3.9Allopatric & Sympatric Speciation
4.4Conservation of Biodiversity
5Form & Function - Molecules
6Form & Function - Cells
6.1Membranes & Membrane Transport
6.2Organelles & Compartmentalization
6.3Cell Specialization
7Form & Function - Organisms
7.2Transport
7.3Muscle & Motility
8Form & Function - Ecosystems
8.1Species, Communities & Ecosytems
8.3Carbon Cycle
9Interaction & Interdependence - Molecules
9.1Enzymes
9.2Metabolism
9.3Cell Respiration
10Interaction & Interdependence - Cells
10.1Chemical Signalling
10.2Neural Signalling
10.3Adaptation to Environment
10.4Ecological Niches
11Interaction & Interdependence - Organisms
11.1Integration of Body Systems
12Interaction & Interdependence - Ecosystems
12.1Populations & Communities
12.2Transfers of Energy & Matter
13Continuity & Change - Molecules
13.1DNA Replication
13.2Protein Synthesis
14Continuity & Change - Cells
15Continuity & Change - Organisms
15.1Inheritance
15.1.1Non-Nuclear Inheritance
15.1.2Linked Genes
15.1.3IB Multiple Choice - Non-Mendelian Genetics
15.1.4Extended Response - Inheritance
15.1.5Introduction to Non-Mendelian Inheritance
15.1.6Chi-Squared Test
15.1.7End of Topic Quiz - Inheritance
15.1.8Sex-Linked Genes
15.1.9Grade 4-5 (Scientific Practices) - Inheritance
16Continuity & Change - Ecosystems
16.1Natural Selection
16.2Stability & Change
Unlock your full potential with Seneca Premium
Unlimited access to 10,000+ open-ended exam questions
Mini-mock exams based on your study history
Unlock 800+ premium courses & e-books