Topic Summaries

Coronary heart disease can lead to a heart attack which is when fatty material (plaque) builds up in the coronary arteries, narrowing them and reducing the flexibility of the artery lining, which reduces blood flow (atherosclerosis). This means less oxygen is delivered to the heart muscle, so heart muscle cells die.

Treatments for coronary heart disease include stents (to keep the coronary arteries open), statins (to reduce blood cholesterol levels to slow down the rate of fatty material deposit) and heart transplants. Artificial hearts are sometimes used to keep patients alive whilst waiting for a transplant or to help during recovery.

Faulty heart valves: prevent the valve from opening fully, and can leak. Blood flows backwards, reducing the efficiency at which blood flows around the body, meaning cells do not receive as much glucose and oxygen for respiration. Treatments for faulty heart valves include replacement biological valves from donors, or replacement artificial mechanical valves.

Other heart problems include breathlessness, tiredness, dizziness, and chest pain.