Specific Heart+Lungs Flashcards
Describe what platelets are.
Platelets are small cell fragments which aid the clotting of blood at the site of a wound.
What are the advantages of stents?
- The insertion of a stent can be carried out without general anaesthetic.
- Quick recovery time
- Lower the risk of a heart attack
What are the disadvantages of stents?
Disadvantages
● Risk of infection
● Risk of blood clots at the stent
What are statins?
Statins are drugs which reduce the level of LDL (bad) cholesterol which contributes to the development of coronary heart disease.
What are the advantages of statins?
Advantages
● Reduce risk of strokes, coronary heart disease and heart attacks
● Increase level of HDL (good) cholesterol
What are disadvantages of statins?
Disadvantages
● Have to be taken continuously
● May have side effects
● Effect may not be immediate
What is a heart bypass surgery?
A surgery where blocked coronary arteries are replaced with sections of veins taken from other parts of the body.
What are the consequences of leaky heart valves?
Blood flows in the wrong direction, causing the heart to become less efficient. Patients may become breathless and die as a result.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of mechanical valves?
Advantages
● Last for a very long time Disadvantages
● Need to take medication to prevent blood clotting around valve
What is the purpose of an artificial heart?
Artificial hearts are intended to support a patient’s heart while they wait for a suitable donor heart.
What are the advantages of artificial hearts?
Advantages
● Less likely to be rejected by immune system
● Allows damaged heart to rest to help recovery
What are the disadvantages of artificial hearts?
Disadvantages
● Risk of infection due to surgery
● Risk of blood clots
● Have to take blood-thinning drugs
