Question
• Describe the disease process of atherosclerosis.
• What role does LDL cholesterol have in this process?
• Why does atherosclerosis increase risk of a heart attack?
• What are the risk factors for heart disease (both behavioral and cardi
• What chamber of the heart is at the greatest risk of myocardial infarction?
• From the movie, explain why John has a heart attack
Answer
Atherosclerosis is a disease process in which plaque builds up in the arteries, narrowing them and reducing blood flow. LDL cholesterol plays a role in this process by contributing to the buildup of plaque. Atherosclerosis increases risk of a heart attack because the plaque buildup can cause a blockage in the arteries, leading to a lack of oxygen to the heart muscle, which can cause a heart attack. Risk factors for heart disease include smoking, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and lack of physical activity. The left ventricle of the heart is at the greatest risk of myocardial infarction due to its role in pumping oxygenated blood throughout the body. In the movie, John has a heart attack due to the buildup of plaque in his arteries, which caused a blockage and a lack of oxygen to his heart muscle.