Animal organisation - transport systems - AQADevelopment of cardiovascular disease

Multicellular organisms require transport systems to supply their cells and remove waste products. In humans, one of the functions of the circulatory system is to transport substances.

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Development of cardiovascular disease

Coronary heart disease

The is a muscular pump. Like all muscles, it needs for to contract. The supply blood, and therefore oxygen, to the heart muscle.

The coronary arteries may become blocked by a build-up of fatty material, caused by certain kinds of 'bad' . As the fatty material increases, one or more coronary arteries narrow, and can become blocked.

Diagram comparing a healthy artery in the heart vs a blocked artery

If a blockage builds up, the amount of oxygen reaching the heart muscle is reduced. A person will develop chest pain, and if left untreated, a heart attack is the result. This can cause damage to, or death of the heart muscle. Part of the heart muscle, or the whole heart, will die.