4.4 Helping the heart

Question 1

Name 3 ways to help heart problems?

Answer 1

1. Mechanical/biological valves
2. Artificial peacemaker
   3Artificial hearts

Question 2

Valves can be replaced by …… (2)

Answer 2

1 mechanical valve

2 biological valve

Question 3

What is biological valves made from? How long do they last? Do you need to take medication?

Answer 3

1 pig/cattle/human valves
2 12 to 15 years
3 No medication

Question 4

What symptoms will someone with a leaky valve have?

Answer 4

irregular heartbeat
breathlessness
leg swelling or fluid retention (leg or ankles)
dizziness
fainting

Question 5

1 advantage and 1 disadvantage of mechanical replacement heart valve

Answer 5

ADV - Last a long time

DISAD - Need medication to prevent blood clots

Question 6

What are mechanical valves
1 made from
2How long do they last?
3 Do you need medication for the rest of your life.

Answer 6

1. titanium/polymers
2. Longtime
3. Yes to prevent blood clotting

Question 7

What is a natural pacemaker?

Answer 7

• group of cells found in right atrium of heart

- they control the rhythm of your heart (70 beats a minute)

Question 8

Explain how a leaky heart valve can cause heart issues?

Answer 8

The valves become stiff and not open fully. People affected become breathless and may die.
-impairs the flow of forward blood
- some blood may escape back through the valve
VALVE REGURGITATION

Question 9

1 advantage and 1 disadvantage of biological replacement heart valve

Answer 9

ADV- No medication

DISAD - Last 12 to 15 years

Question 10

How does an artificial pacemaker work?

Answer 10

• electrical devise used to correct irregular heart rate
• implanted in chest and attached by 2 wires
• pacemaker sends strong regular electrical signals to your heart that stimulates it to beat properly.