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IGCSEBiology
Trial Class

Original practice · 5 questions · 15 marks · about 17 minutes

Coronary Heart Disease Risk Factors Practice Questions

Biology editorial review is supported by the named review panel. Reviewer participation may vary by guide. Checked against Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 (2026–2028); last reviewed August 2026.

These questions test your understanding of how lifestyle factors contribute to coronary heart disease and how it can be prevented.

Before you open the answers

  • Attempt every question without notes.
  • Show working for calculations and write complete biological statements.
  • Use the suggested time as a guide, not a strict limit on the first attempt.

These are original practice questions. They do not reproduce an official Cambridge paper or official mark scheme.

  1. Question 1

    Paper 4 Both 4 marks Difficulty 3/5

    Describe how coronary heart disease develops and explain why it can lead to a heart attack.

    Show model answer and marking guidance
    1. Fatty deposits (atheroma/cholesterol) build up in the walls of the coronary arteries.
    2. This narrows the lumen of the artery: reducing blood flow to the heart muscle.
    3. The heart muscle receives less oxygen and glucose.
    4. If a coronary artery becomes completely blocked (e.g. By a blood clot), a heart attack occurs: heart muscle cells die.

  2. Question 2

    Paper 2 Both 3 marks Difficulty 2/5

    State three risk factors for coronary heart disease.

    Show model answer and marking guidance
    1. Diet high in saturated fat: increases blood cholesterol.
    2. Smoking: damages artery walls and increases blood pressure.
    3. Lack of exercise: does not help maintain healthy heart and circulation.

  3. Question 3

    Paper 4 Extended 3 marks Difficulty 3/5

    Explain how regular exercise can help reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.

    Show model answer and marking guidance
    1. Exercise strengthens the heart muscle: more efficient pumping.
    2. Helps maintain a healthy body weight: reduces strain on the heart.
    3. Increases HDL (good) cholesterol and reduces LDL (bad) cholesterol: less fatty deposit build-up.

  4. Question 4

    Paper 2 Core 2 marks Difficulty 2/5

    Name the blood vessels that supply the heart muscle with blood.

    Show model answer and marking guidance
    1. Coronary arteries.
    2. They branch from the aorta and carry oxygenated blood to the heart muscle.

  5. Question 5

    Paper 4 Extended 3 marks Difficulty 4/5

    A stent can be used to treat a narrowed coronary artery. Describe how a stent works and state one advantage and one risk.

    Show model answer and marking guidance
    1. A stent is a small mesh tube inserted into the narrowed artery: it holds the artery open.
    2. Advantage: restores blood flow to the heart muscle without major surgery.
    3. Risk: blood clots may form on the stent / the artery may narrow again over time.

Mark the set consistently

Award a point only when the idea is clearly present in the written answer. Correct any missed point in a complete sentence, then test the same skill on a different question several days later.

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