1.2.5: heart anatomy & physiology

Question 1

Angina

Answer 1

Chest pain/discomfort due to reduced blood flow to the heart. Occurs when plaque builds up in coronary arteries.

Question 2

Angina symptoms

Answer 2

Chest pain (squeezing, pressure, tightness, heaviness)

Question 3

Atherosclerosis

Answer 3

Gradual plaque buildup in artery walls due to damage to inner artery wall. Risk factors include diabetes, obesity, smoking, etc. When total occlusion occurs, a stroke/heart attack may occur.

Question 4

Myocardial infarction

Answer 4

Heart attack; part of the heart muscle suddenly dies because oxygen is cut off. This usually happens because of plaque buildup or plaque rupturing and forming a blood clot.

Question 5

Myocardial infarction symptoms

Answer 5

Immediate chest/arm pain, elevated heart rate, fatigue, nausea

Question 6

Aortic valve stenosis

Answer 6

Aortic valve narrows due to calcification (aging), stiffening the vessel.

Question 7

Aortic valve stenosis symptoms

Answer 7

Develops over many years (often asymptomatic). Advanced AS: chest pain, dizziness/fainting, and heart failure

Question 8

Patent foramen ovale

Answer 8

An abnormal hole in the wall separating the left and right and right atria that does not close at birth. It is a congenital condition.

Question 9

Patent foramen ovale symptoms

Answer 9

Usually asymptomatic / harmless. However, in rare instances, it can cause strokes, headaches, and heart attacks.

Question 10

Congestive heart failure

Answer 10

Heart cannot pump enough blood to supply the body, usually due to structural defects, diseases, and heart attacks that weaken the heart. This means that the heart enlarges, but ventricles are weak, so blood remains in the ventricles.

Question 11

Congestive heart failure symptoms

Answer 11

Fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, swelling of lower limbs, decreased alertness.

Question 12

Epicardium

Answer 12

Layer of protection beneath the pericardium

Question 13

Endocardium

Answer 13

Thin, smooth tissue lining chambers & valves

Question 14

Myocardium

Answer 14

Thick layer of muscle in the middle; contracts and relaxes to pump blood

Question 15

Pericardium

Answer 15

Sac enclosing the heart and protecting it

Question 16

Bacterial endocarditis

Answer 16

Endocardium (inner lining of chambers and valves) becomes inflamed, usually due to bacterial infection. This causes holes to appear in the valves.

Question 17

Bacterial endocarditis symptoms

Answer 17

Aching joints, flu symptoms, swelling in feet/legs/stomach

Question 18

Ventricular septal defect

Answer 18

Abnormal hole in the septum; occurs at birth, and blood flows from the left to right ventricle. It forces the heart and lungs to work harder.

Question 19

Ventricular septal defect symptoms

Answer 19

Fast breathing, not gaining weight, paleness