Question 1: Define Coronary Heart Disease and explain its primary cause.

Answer: Coronary Heart Disease is a condition where the coronary arteries become narrowed or blocked, usually due to a buildup of fatty deposits called plaque.

Question 2: Describe how atherosclerosis contributes to Coronary Heart Disease.

Answer: Atherosclerosis involves the buildup of fatty deposits (plaque) inside the arterial walls, which narrows the arteries and restricts blood flow to the heart muscle.

Question 1: If a coronary artery has a diameter of 3 mm normally, but in a patient with CHD it narrows to 1.2 mm due to plaque buildup, what is the percentage reduction in the artery's diameter?

Answer: ((3 - 1.2) / 3) * 100 = 60%

Question 2: Calculate the change in cross-sectional area of the artery when its diameter narrows from 3 mm to 1.2 mm. (Use the formula for the area of a circle: A = πr²).

Answer: Initial area = π*(1.5)^2 ≈ 7.07 mm²; New area = π*(0.6)^2 ≈ 1.13 mm²; Change = 7.07 - 1.13 ≈ 5.94 mm²

Question 1: Design a simple experiment to determine if a person had coronary artery blockage at the time of death. Include variables and safety precautions (theory only).

Answer: An experiment could involve analyzing tissue samples from the coronary arteries for the presence of plaque buildup using histological techniques. Variables include tissue sample location and sample preservation. Safety precautions involve wearing gloves, using sterilized equipment, and proper disposal of biological waste.

Question 2: Identify two variables that could affect the accuracy of forensic analysis of coronary artery blockage.

Answer: Sample contamination and degradation of tissue samples over time.

Question 1: A forensic report indicates 75% blockage in the left coronary artery. Explain how this level of blockage could have contributed to a fatal heart attack.

Answer: A 75% blockage significantly restricts blood flow to the heart muscle, increasing the risk of ischemia and potential heart attack. Reduced oxygen supply can cause heart tissue damage, leading to fatal outcomes.

Question 2: If a patient’s cholesterol level is high, what impact might this have on the development of coronary artery disease? Provide a brief explanation.

Answer: High cholesterol levels can lead to increased plaque formation in the arteries, raising the risk of narrowing or blockage that causes Coronary Heart Disease.

Question 1: Discuss how forensic analysis of coronary artery disease can assist in legal investigations of sudden death cases. Include at least two points in your answer.

Answer: Forensic analysis can identify the presence and extent of arterial blockage, providing evidence of natural causes of death. It can also help determine whether underlying heart disease contributed to death, which is important in legal cases involving medical negligence or foul play.

Question 1: Explain how advancements in forensic science and medical technology help in diagnosing and preventing Coronary Heart Disease.

Answer: Advances such as high-resolution imaging, blood tests for cholesterol and biomarkers, and histological analysis allow for early detection, accurate diagnosis, and targeted prevention of Coronary Heart Disease.

Question 2: Describe one lifestyle change that can reduce the risk of developing Coronary Heart Disease and how forensic science can support public health initiatives promoting this change.

Answer: Reducing saturated fat and cholesterol intake through diet can lower risk. Forensic data on causes of death can highlight the importance of such lifestyle changes in preventing heart disease, supporting public health campaigns.