# Explain how a diet high in saturated fat can lead to a person suffering a heart attack.

> Eduqas GCSE Biology — 3.4 Non-communicable diseases in humans · Explain · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Saturated fat increases blood cholesterol levels
2. Cholesterol builds up to form plaques / fatty deposits in the walls of the coronary arteries
3. Plaques narrow the lumen of the coronary arteries, restricting blood flow to the heart muscle
4. A blood clot (thrombus) can form and completely block the coronary artery, cutting off the blood / oxygen supply to the heart muscle, causing the heart muscle to die / stop contracting

## Key terms

- [saturated fat](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/saturated-fat)
- [heart attack](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/heart-attack)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Eduqas GCSE Biology](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-how-a-diet-high-in-5e3f57b9) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.