Learn: Blood Clotting and Cardiovascular Disease

Welcome!Building on your knowledge of the heart and blood vessels and the cardiac cycle, we’ll explore how blood clotting helps protect the body and how it can sometimes lead to cardiovascular disease.

What is Blood Clotting?Blood clotting, or coagulation, is a process where blood solidifies to prevent excessive bleeding after injury. It involves platelets and clotting factors in a sequence called the clotting cascade.

The Clotting CascadeThe clotting cascade is a series of chemical reactions where clotting factors activate each other. This results in the formation of a protein called fibrin, which forms a mesh to stabilise the clot.This process is tightly regulated to prevent unnecessary clots.

Cardiovascular Disease: An IntroductionCardiovascular disease refers to conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels, such as atherosclerosis. It can occur when blood clots form unnecessarily or block arteries.This happens when fatty deposits build up in artery walls, narrowing them and increasing the risk of clot formation.

Risk Factors for Cardiovascular DiseaseSome factors increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, including high blood pressure, smoking, and a diet high in saturated fats. These can damage blood vessels and promote fatty deposits.

Preventing Cardiovascular DiseasePreventative measures include maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding smoking. Medicines like anticoagulants can also help reduce clot formation.

Review Time!Great work! You've learned how blood clots form, why they’re important, and how they can lead to cardiovascular disease. Let’s test your understanding with some review questions.