Final answer:
Atherosclerosis can lead to cardiovascular diseases such as coronary artery disease and peripheral artery disease by narrowing the arteries. A heart attack is not the same as cardiac arrest, with the latter being more immediately life-threatening. Hypertension is a significant risk factor for heart disease.
Step-by-step explanation:
Two cardiovascular diseases that can be caused by atherosclerosis are coronary artery disease (CAD) and peripheral artery disease (PAD). Atherosclerosis contributes to these conditions by the buildup of plaque, which narrows the arteries and restricts blood flow. In the case of CAD, this impaired blood flow to the heart muscle can lead to chest pain or a heart attack. PAD, on the other hand, occurs when arteries in the legs become narrowed, causing pain and numbness due to reduced blood circulation.
The statement that a heart attack is the same as cardiac arrest is False. A heart attack, or myocardial infarction, happens when blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked, often by a clot. Cardiac arrest is when the heart malfunctions and suddenly stops beating unexpectedly. Cardiac arrest is more immediately life-threatening than a heart attack and requires immediate medical intervention.
Hypertension is a major risk factor for heart disease. It is often referred to as the silent killer because it may present no symptoms, yet it can lead to devastating consequences like heart attack, stroke, or heart failure if left unmanaged.