Keeping healthy Flashcards
How does the heart pump blood round the body?
It is a double pump system, one half pumps oxygenated blood from the lungs to the body.
The other half pumps de oxygenated blood from the body to the lungs to become re oxygenated.
How does the heart get blood?
It has its own blood supply, the coronary arteries that run over the surface of the heart to keep it healthy and full of oxygen and nutrients and to remove fatty deposits and waste products that can block the arteries and stop it contracting
How are blood vessels structured to suit their purpose?
Arteries have high pressure to carry blood away from the heart. To withstand this pressure they have thick, muscular walls.
Capillaries are only one cell think as they are designed to link arteries and veins so must allow easy transfer.
Veins take blood back to the heart and so have valves to prevent back flow of blood
How is heart rate measured?
Heart rate is measured by recording pulse rate, the number of pulses as blood passed through an artery. Its measured in bpm,
What is resting heart rate?
Resting heart rate is the rate when a person is relaxed, 50-70 bpm is a sign of good fitness in adults.
What is blood pressure?
The amount of pressure of blood on the walls of an artery. It is given as two numbers, the higher value is when the heart’s contracting and the lower value is when the heart is relaxed
What can cause heart disease?
Heart disease is caused by a build up in fat in the arteries. This can be caused by smoking cigarettes, poor diet, misuse of drugs & alcohol and stress. There are also genetic factors that can cause CHD. Regular exercise can help prevent CHD
What are epidemiological studies?
Studies of the occurrence of disease using large numbers of individuals. Studies have been carried out on the link between lifestyle factors and heart disease. They are carried out on individuals who have as many of the factors as possible differ only in the factor being investigated, random people, people with relatives who have heart disease.
