Which of the following is a risk factor for heart disease?Regular exerciseBeing overweightBeing underweightLow cholesterol levels2In coronary heart disease:The arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle become narrowThe heart valves do not work properlyThe heart beats too slowlyThe heart beats too quickly3Which of the following is a risk associated with fitting a stent?RejectionThrombosis/blood clotRequires general anaesthetic Blood loss4Statins may be prescribed to anyone at risk of cardiovascular disease. They work by:Suppressing the immune systemReducing the production of cholesterol by the liverBreaking down cholesterolIncreasing the production of cholesterol by the liver5Doctors can operate and replace faulty heart valves. What is a disadvantage of using a mechanical rather than a biological valve? Requires anti-coagulation medicationDoes not last as longRequires a close tissue matchMore likely to be rejected 6In heart transplant operations, what is an advantage of using a natural donor heart rather than an artificial heart?Longer lastingLess likely to be rejected Good availabilityDoes not require life-long medication

Being overweight is a risk factor for heart disease. Regular exercise, being underweight, and having low cholesterol levels are generally not associated with increased risk of heart disease.

In coronary heart disease, the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle become narrow. The other options (heart valves not working properly, the heart beating too slowly or too quickly) are not specific to coronary heart disease.

A risk associated with fitting a stent is thrombosis/blood clot. Rejection, requiring general anaesthetic, and blood loss are not typically risks associated with stent placement.

Statins may be prescribed to anyone at risk of cardiovascular disease. They work by reducing the production of cholesterol by the liver. They do not suppress the immune system, break down cholesterol, or increase the production of cholesterol by the liver.

A disadvantage of using a mechanical rather than a biological valve is that it requires anti-coagulation medication. Mechanical valves do not typically require a close tissue match, are not more likely to be rejected, and generally last longer than biological valves.

An advantage of using a natural donor heart rather than an artificial heart in heart transplant operations is that it is less likely to be rejected. Natural donor hearts are not necessarily longer lasting, more readily available, or less likely to require life-long medication compared to artificial hearts.