Overview
What is plaque made of?
Fats, cholesterol, and other substances
What is homeostasis?
Balance of internal conditions
heart muscle dying because of blocked arteries
What happens to blood flow?
It’s restricted or reduced
Name one symptom.
Chest Pain or pressure
Numbness or weakness
Leg pain
High blood pressure
Shortness of Breath
Dizzy or lightheaded
Fatigue
What happens to arteries over time?
They harden and narrow
What does blood carry to organs?
Nutrients, oxygen, hormones, blood cells
Stroke
Name one risk factor
Smoking
High blood pressure (hypertension)
High cholesterol (especially LDL)
Diabetes or insulin resistance
Obesity or being overweight
Lack of physical activity
Unhealthy diet (high in saturated fats and sugar)
Family history of heart disease
Older age
Chronic stress
Excessive alcohol intake
Sleep apnea
What lifestyle change helps?
Healthier diet, exercise
What can atherosclerosis lead to?
Heart attacks, strokes, blood clots
How do blood vessels help maintain it?
Stay open and flexible for smooth blood flow
long term strain on heart from restricted blood flow
heart failure
What happens to blood pressure?
It increases (hypertension)
What is angioplasty?
Procedure to open up arteries
What is the sticky buildup on artery walls called?
Plaque
What happens to blood flow in healthy vessels?
It’s continuous and unrestricted
lack of blood supply because of the blocked arteries
(HINT: after cells die , wounds dont heal and get infected lead to no circulation and then rapid _
tissue death
What does the heart do in response?
Pumps harder
What is bypass surgery?
Creates a new path for blood around the blockage
because the arteries are narrowed , pressure gets built up, the symptom is _
chest pain (angina)
Why is flexible circulation essential for homeostasis?
Organs need oxygen and nutrients delivered efficiently
Blockage leading to abnormal heart rhythm triggered by not enough blood flowing to one part of the body
Cardiac Arrest
How does atherosclerosis lead to hypertension?
Narrow arteries force the heart to work harder (more strain)
Name 1 diseases linked to atherosclerosis.
Answers may vary