Helping the heart Flashcards
In what case would a biological valve or mechanical valve be needed
If the heart valves are faulty
For example:
Sometimes the heart valves do not fully open (become stiff) so the heart has to pump extra hard to get the blood through. This can cause the heart to enlarge
Other times the valves are leaky which can cause the patient to feel weak and tired
Overall, these faults make the heart less efficient.
Consequences of faulty heart valves
Sometimes the heart valves do not fully open (become stiff) so the heart has to pump extra hard to get the blood through. This can cause the heart to enlarge
Other times the valves are leaky, allowing blood to flow in both directions rather than just forward. This means that blood does not circulate as effectively as normal. This can cause the patient to feel weak and tired
Overall, these faults make the heart less efficient.
If faulty valves are not treated what could eventually happen
People affected will eventually die without treatment of heart valves
When heart valves are faulty what they be replaced by
When heart valves are faulty, they can be replaced by a mechanical valve (made from materials such as titanium and polymers) or a biological valve (valves based on the valves taken from animals such as pigs, cows or human donors)
What are biological valves made out of
Biological valves are based on the valves taken from animals such as pigs, cows or human donors
What are mechanical valves made out of
Mechanical valves are made from materials such as titanium and polymers
Advantages and disadvantages of mechanical valves
Advantages:
Mechanical valves last a very long time
Disadvantages:
Mechanical valves increase the risk of blood clots
Medication may have to be taken for the rest of a patients life to prevent the blood from clotting around the mechanical valve
There is a risk of serious complications with surgery
Advantages and disadvantages of biological valves
Advantages:
Patients do not need to take any medication.
Disadvantages:
Biological valves only last about 12-15 years.
There is a risk of serious complications with surgery
How might valves become damaged
The valves in the heart can be damaged or weakened by heart attacks, infection or old age.
Why may an donated or artificial heart be needed
The heart cannot pump enough blood around the body. This is called heart failure
What can be given to a patient if they experience heart failure
When the heart fails completely, a donor heart or a donor heart and lungs can be transplanted
Problems with donated heart transplant
There are not enough donated hearts available to treat every patient
The patient must take drugs to stop the donated heart from being rejected by the body’s immune system.
In what instance would a patient be given an artificial heart
A patient can be given an artificial heart as a temporary solution while waiting for a heart transplant or to allow their damaged heart to rest and recover.
Disadvantages of artificial hearts
Artificial heart increase the risk of blood clotting which can lead to death (There are not a long-term solution to heart failure.)
Surgery can lead to bleeding and infection
The blood does not flow as easily and can lead to blood clots which could lead to strokes. Blood thinners (such as warfarin) need to be taken to prevent this. This could cause problems with bleeding if they’re hurt in an accident
Parts of the heart can wear out and stop working (For example the electrical motor could fail)
Artificial hearts need a lot of machinery to keep them working. Most patients have to stay in hospital until they have their donated heart transplant.
What do people need to when they need a heart transplant, what are the consequences of this.
When a patient needs a heart transplant, they have to wait for a donor heart that is a tissue match. As a result, many people die before they get a change to have a transplant
