The Heart Flashcards
Explain why the left ventricle wall is thicker than the right ventricle wall.
So it can can apply a higher amount of pressure when pushing the blood out as the blood has to travel a further distance ( across the whole body)
Explain why humans are said to have a double circulatory system.
Because the blood passes through the heart twice before being spread out to the rest of the body
Describe the journey of blood starting from the Vena cava
Vena Cava–>Right atrium–> Right ventricle–>Pulmonary artery–> Lungs–> Pulmonary vein->Left atrium–>Left ventricle–>Aorta–>Rest of body
What happens in the heart when someone has coronary heart disease?
The coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart become narrow. This cause the supply of oxygen to the heart to be reduced. This can cause heart attacks/ pains and even death
What is a stent? Explain what it does…
Its is a metal mesh that is inserted inside a damaged artery and then, using a balloon, blown up which causes the artery to open up again.
What are the other options, apart from Stents, for someone with badly blocked arteries?
Replacing the narrow, blocked up arteries with bits of veins from other parts of the body
What do statins do? Who would use them?
They reduce cholesterol levels, which slow down the rate in which fatty materials are deposited in the coronary arteries. Doctors give this to people at risk of cardiovascular diseases
What are mechanical heart valves?
These valves are made of lightweight, strong, and durable materials, such as titanium. They will last 20–30 years before a replacement is needed.
What are Biological valves?
Biological valves are created from animal valves or other animal tissue that is strong and flexible, usually from pigs. They can last 10–20 years.
What are the disadvantages of mechanical valves?
- Because of the materials in the valve, it is likely that blood clots will form on it. This could stop it from working.
- Patients will need to take blood thinning drugs every day for the rest of their lives.
- Even with the thinning drugs, there is also the risk that a blood clot will form and then move to block a blood vessel, which could cause a stroke or heart attack.
What are the advantages/ disadvantages of biological valves compared to mechanical valves?
Advantages: The risk of blood clotting is very small, so patients don’t usually require the long-term use of medication.
Disadvantage: More expansive and only last 10- 20 years
Describe what a natural pacemaker is
A group of cells in the right atrium that controls heartbeats
What is an artificial pacemaker? How does it work? What does it do?
It is a small battery-operated device that helps the heart beat in a regular rhythm. The generator is a small battery-powered unit. It produces the electrical impulses that stimulate your heart to beat. The generator is connected to your heart through tiny wires that are implanted at the same time, one in the right atrium and the another in the right ventricle.
What is an artificial heart? In what situations will an artificial heart be used?
It is a man made temporary heart that is used to replace a person’s heart whiles they wait for a donor heart.
