B2 : Helping the heart

Question 1

What are the two types of artificial valves

Answer 1

Biological and Mechanical

Question 2

Mechanical valves

Answer 2

Valves made of titanium
long-lasting
require medication to stop blood clotting

Question 3

Biological valves

Answer 3

Valves made from pig or human donors
Do not require any anti-clotting medication
Only last 12-15 years

Question 4

What is the hearts normal bpm

Answer 4

70 bpm

Question 5

What is the beating of the heart controlled by

Answer 5

A cluster of cells known as the pacemaker

Question 6

Artificial pacemaker

Answer 6

Electronic device weighing between 20-50g connected to the heart via two wires
Control the heart beat by sending strong, regular electronic signals
Need regular check-ups

Question 7

Artificial hearts

Answer 7

Used when a person’s heart stops working completely, can take a long time for a donor heart to become available
Rarely available
Can cause issues with rejection