Assessment and Qualifications Alliance (AQA) AS Biology Practice Exam

Atheroma formation is characterized by the buildup of fatty deposits, cholesterol, and other substances in the walls of arteries, particularly the coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart. This buildup leads to the narrowing of these arteries, a condition known as atherosclerosis. When the coronary arteries become narrowed, it restricts blood flow to the heart muscle.

The heart muscle requires a constant supply of oxygen-rich blood to function effectively. When the blood flow is reduced due to the narrowed arteries, the heart does not receive enough oxygen, particularly during physical activity or stress, leading to chest pain or angina. If the narrowing becomes severe enough, it can ultimately result in a complete blockage of the artery, preventing blood from reaching parts of the heart muscle. This situation can lead to a heart attack, also known as a myocardial infarction, where the affected part of the heart muscle becomes damaged due to lack of oxygen.

While the other options present factors related to cardiovascular health, they do not directly address how atheroma formation leads to a heart attack. For instance, while blood pressure can increase due to various factors, it is the narrowing of the coronary artery that specifically restricts blood flow and is a direct consequence of atheroma formation. Enhancing