Evaluation of different treatment methods for coronary heart disease
Drugs used alongside heart conditions and transplants can prolong life.
Evaluating the treatment methods
Treatment
Advantages
Disadvantages
Drugs - statins to prevent build-up of material in arteries
Reduce the risk of heart attack. Studies have shown a decrease in 'bad cholesterol' and an increase in 'good cholesterol'. Used to reduce high cholesterol levels that have genetic causes.
May have beneficial effects on other conditions. Cheap to administer.
Not suitable for people with liver disease. Some side effects. Must be taken for life. Should not be taken if pregnant or breastfeeding.
Heart transplant to replace a damaged heart
Improves quality of life and can be lifesaving.
Few donor hearts are available. Recovery time is long. There is a risk of rejection by the body's immune system. Expensive operation and aftercare.
Replacement heart valves to improve circulation of blood
Restore blood flow through the heart. Less risk of complications in surgery than heart transplant.
Biological valves may wear out. Blood clots may stick to mechanical valves - anti-blood clotting drugs need to be taken which increase risk of further illness.
Treatment
Drugs - statins to prevent build-up of material in arteries
Advantages
Reduce the risk of heart attack. Studies have shown a decrease in 'bad cholesterol' and an increase in 'good cholesterol'. Used to reduce high cholesterol levels that have genetic causes.
May have beneficial effects on other conditions. Cheap to administer.
Disadvantages
Not suitable for people with liver disease. Some side effects. Must be taken for life. Should not be taken if pregnant or breastfeeding.
Treatment
Heart transplant to replace a damaged heart
Advantages
Improves quality of life and can be lifesaving.
Disadvantages
Few donor hearts are available. Recovery time is long. There is a risk of rejection by the body's immune system. Expensive operation and aftercare.
Treatment
Replacement heart valves to improve circulation of blood
Advantages
Restore blood flow through the heart. Less risk of complications in surgery than heart transplant.
Disadvantages
Biological valves may wear out. Blood clots may stick to mechanical valves - anti-blood clotting drugs need to be taken which increase risk of further illness.
When deciding the most appropriate treatment, it is important to consider many factors, including: effectiveness, risks, costs to the individual and the health service, benefits to the patient and to society.