# A 55-year-old man has been told by his doctor that he has cardiovascular disease and will need treatment. The doctor explains two possible treatments: statins and coronary bypass surgery. Evaluate the use of these two treatments for cardiovascular disease.

> Edexcel A-Level Biology A: Salters-Nuffield (9BN0) — 1.1 Cardiovascular disease and risk · Evaluate · 5 marks

> Statins are drugs that lower blood cholesterol levels. Coronary bypass surgery uses a section of healthy blood vessel, taken from elsewhere in the body, to create a new route for blood to flow around a blocked coronary artery.

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. Statins reduce blood cholesterol levels, which reduces the build-up of fatty deposits (atheroma) in coronary arteries
2. Statins have side effects / must be taken long-term / are a long-term medication not a cure
3. Coronary bypass surgery directly restores blood flow to the heart muscle by bypassing the blocked artery
4. Coronary bypass surgery carries significant risks as it is an invasive/major surgical procedure
5. Reasoned conclusion comparing the two treatments, e.g. statins are preferable as a first/preventative option whereas bypass surgery is necessary when blockage is severe / both have advantages and limitations

## Key terms

- [cardiovascular disease](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/cardiovascular-disease)
- [statins](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/statins)
- [coronary bypass surgery](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/coronary-bypass-surgery)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Edexcel A-Level Biology A: Salters-Nuffield (9BN0)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Evaluate" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/a-55-year-old-man-has-been-told-763b4143) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.