The diagram shows an artery from a patient who has developed a fatty deposit in its wall. The deposit narrows the lumen, the space through which blood flows...
Question 1 Report
The diagram shows an artery from a patient who has developed a fatty deposit in its wall. The deposit narrows the lumen, the space through which blood flows. The patient has a diet high in saturated fat and has recently reported chest pain when walking uphill.
(a) Use Fig. 1 to describe the effect of the fatty deposit on the artery lumen. [1]
(b) Explain why this narrowing can reduce the oxygen supply to heart muscle cells. [3]
(c) Suggest two lifestyle changes that could reduce the patient's risk of further fatty deposits. [2]
(d) State one possible consequence if blood flow to part of the heart is completely blocked. [1]
Answer Details
(a) The fatty deposit makes the artery lumen narrower, or partly blocked. [1]
(b) A narrower lumen reduces blood flow through the artery. Less oxygenated blood reaches the heart muscle cells. These cells may then be unable to maintain aerobic respiration and release enough energy for contraction. [3]
(c) Any two suitable lifestyle changes are:
- reduce saturated-fat intake;
- exercise regularly;
- stop smoking;
- maintain a healthy body mass.
These changes reduce factors associated with further fatty deposits. [2]
(d) Complete blockage can cause a heart attack, including death of heart muscle cells. [1]
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