Helping the heart Flashcards
What are some possible problems with heart valves over time?
They may start to leak or become stiff and not open fully.
How is a faulty heart valve fixed?
They can be replaced in operation with mechanical valves which are made of materials such as titanium and polymers. They last a very long time, but you will have to take medicine for the rest of your life to prevent your blood from clotting around it. Biological valves can be used from animal or human valves and no medication is needed, however these only last around 12-15 years.
What is the resting rythym of a healthy heart?
Around 70 beats a minute.
What is your natural paemaker?
It is a group of cells found in the right atrium of your heart which controls the speed of your heartbeat.
How can problems with the rhythm of the heart be solved?
With an artificial pacemaker.
What is an artificial pacemaker?
This is an electrical device used to correct irregularities in the heart rate. It is implanted into your chest and weighs between 20 and 50 g, and they are attatched to your heart with two wires. It sends strong, regular electrical signals to your heart that stimulate it to beat properly. If you have this fitted, you will need regular checkups.
What do people have to check when getting a heart transplant?
That there is a tissue match.
What are artificial hearts and what are the risks?
They are temporary devices used to keep the patient alive until they have a heart transplant. Most patients need to stay in hospital until they have the transplant. There is however, a risk of blood clotting in the artificial heart which can lead to death. They take up a lot of resources and are expensive.
