Heart Disease
Biology: Cambridge International GCSE Supplement, topic 9.2.5
Coronary Heart Disease
Coronary heart disease is when the coronary arteries become more narrow because of a build-up of fatty deposits. This reduces blood flow and leads to a lack of oxygen being supplied to the heart muscle. This is similar to a:
Tunnel
- Imagine people carrying wood to a fire through a tunnel.
- If the tunnel narrows, fewer people can fit through the tunnel.
- This means that the fire will start to die out as less wood can reach it.
Risk factors
- Smoking, a lack of exercise, being overweight, a diet high in saturated fats, being male, being over 40 years old and having a genetic predisposition are all risk factors for coronary heart disease.