Disadvantages: risk of blood clots forming on the stent, must take blood thinners
Statins
Drugs that reduce blood cholesterol levels
Slow the build-up of fatty deposits in arteries
Advantages: reduce risk of heart disease long-term
Disadvantages: must be taken every day, side effects (muscle pain), do not fix existing blockages
Exam questions — 4 questions · 10 marks total
⚡ This module includes extended questions (4–6 marks). These are where most marks are lost. Use the hint button if you are stuck. Write in full sentences. The AI will tell you exactly which mark scheme points you missed.
1 markCHD causeAQA Jun 2024 P1 Q1.5 style
What causes coronary heart disease?
A A viral infection of the heart muscle
B Build-up of fatty deposits in the coronary arteries
C The heart valves becoming too large
D Too much blood flowing through the heart
1 markStentsAQA Jun 2024 P1 style
What is the purpose of a stent?
A To dissolve fatty deposits in the artery
B To reduce cholesterol in the blood
C To keep a narrowed artery open so blood can flow through it
A patient has been diagnosed with coronary heart disease. Their doctor suggests they could have a stent fitted or take statins daily. Evaluate both treatments and suggest which might be more suitable for a patient with a severely narrowed coronary artery. (4 marks)
Evaluate means: give advantages AND disadvantages of each, then make a justified recommendation. Don't just list facts — compare and conclude.
+40 XP
4 marksExtended — explain effects of CHDAQA Jun 2023 P1 — heart disease 6-mark indicative content
Explain how a blockage in a coronary artery leads to tiredness, breathlessness and chest pain during exercise. (4 marks)
Chain of events: blockage → less blood → less oxygen and glucose → less respiration → less energy → then the specific symptoms. Each arrow in this chain could be a mark.