The Biological basis of Heart Disease

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Atheroma

1. Cholesterol and other lipids collect on the inside of the coronary artery. This deposit is called an atheroma and it narrows the lumen restricting the blood flow.

2. The atheroma is then able to collect minerals and harden to form a plaque

4. The plaque can also cause a blood clot (thrombosis) and this blocks the blood stream and can cause lack of oxygen to the heart.

5. Due to lack of oxygen the heart (which is a muscle) cells are unable to respire and this leads to the cause of myocardial infraction (also known as a heart attack)

Aneurysm

Coronary Thrombosis

The Biological Basis of Heart Disease

Heart Disease

5 RISK FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH HEART DISEASE

1. Diet

2. Blood pressure

3. Cholesterol

4. Cigarette smoking

5. Blood