1.3.9Unit 1: Lifestyle, Transport, Genes and Health
Treatments for CVD: Benefits and Risks — IAL Edexcel Linear Revision Notes & Topical Questions
5 min read 4 parts Lesson 27 of 29 Unit quiz
Section 1 of 4Drugs Lowering Blood Pressure and Cholesterol
Antihypertensives
- These lower blood pressure, which reduces damage to the artery lining and the chance of atheroma formation.
ACE inhibitors
- They block the production of angiotensin, a hormone that constricts blood vessels, so the vessels stay wider.
Beta blockers
- They reduce the effect of adrenaline on the heart, slowing the heart rate and lowering blood pressure.
Diuretics
- These increase the loss of salt and water in urine, which reduces blood volume and so blood pressure.
Statins
- These inhibit an enzyme in the liver needed to make cholesterol, so blood LDL concentration falls.
Section 2 of 4Drugs Reducing Clotting
Drugs Reducing Clotting
Anticoagulants
- Drugs such as warfarin reduce the blood’s ability to clot by reducing the amount of active prothrombin and other clotting factors.
Platelet inhibitors
- Drugs such as aspirin stop platelets sticking together, so clots form less easily in arteries.
Benefit
- Both types reduce the chance of a thrombus forming in a narrowed artery and so lower the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Overall aim
- Treatments are often combined with lifestyle changes to lower the overall risk of CVD.
Section 3 of 4Benefits and Risks
Doctors weigh the benefit of reducing disease risk against the side effects for each patient.
Statins
- They lower LDL and risk of heart attack, but can cause muscle pain and liver problems in some patients.
Anticoagulants
- They reduce clots but increase the risk of bleeding, so doses must be monitored carefully.
Aspirin
- It lowers clot risk but can irritate the stomach lining and cause bleeding.
Blood pressure drugs
- They reduce strokes and heart attacks, but side effects such as dizziness, tiredness or a slow heart rate can occur.
| Drug type | Main benefit | Main risk |
|---|---|---|
| Statin | Lowers LDL cholesterol | Muscle pain, liver effects |
| Anticoagulant | Fewer clots | Bleeding |
| Platelet inhibitor | Prevents clumping | Stomach bleeding |
| Antihypertensive | Lower blood pressure | Dizziness, fatigue |
Section 4 of 4Exam Checklist & Tips
1.3.9 – Key Points for the Exam
- Statin A drug that lowers blood cholesterol by blocking its synthesis in the liver.
- Anticoagulant A drug that reduces blood clotting.
- Antihypertensive A drug that lowers blood pressure.
- Platelet inhibitor A drug that prevents platelets from sticking together.
Common Mistakes
- Saying that statins break down existing atheromas; they reduce further build-up of cholesterol.
- Confusing anticoagulants, which reduce clotting factors, with platelet inhibitors, which act on platelets.
- Stating that diuretics widen the blood vessels instead of reducing blood volume.
- Listing only benefits and forgetting side effects when asked to evaluate a drug.
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