Key terms and concepts that may be included in student responses:
▪ CHD occurs when the blood vessels that supply the heart muscles are narrowed or closed by the gradual buildup of a hard, fatty substance called plaque and inflammation of the vessel walls, blocking the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the heart.This process is known as atherosclerosis.The blockage of vessels can lead to pain, called angina pectoris, which radiates across the chest and arm.When oxygen to the heart is completely blocked a myocardial infarction (heart attack)can result.
▪ People who live in a chronically stressful environment over which they have little control appear to be at increased risk for CHD.
▪ People in high-stress jobs are at increased risk for CHD, particularly if their jobs are highly demanding but provide them little control.
▪ Experimental studies with animals have shown that disruption of the social environment can induce pathology that resembles coronary artery disease.