The heart

• What is the main function of the heart?

  To pump blood around the body
• How does the heart pump blood?

  By contracting and relaxing its muscles rhythmically
• What happens when the heart contracts?

  Blood is pumped out into the arteries
• What happens when the heart relaxes?

  Blood flows into the heart from the veins
• What is the rhythmic contraction and relaxation of the heart muscles called?

  The heartbeat
• What controls the heartbeat?

  A group of specialized heart muscle cells
• Where are the specialized heart muscle cells located?

  In the right atrium
• What can problems with blood flow through the heart cause?

  Serious health problems like heart attacks
• What happens if the coronary arteries become blocked?

  Blood flow to the heart muscle is reduced
• What is a heart attack?

  When part of the heart muscle dies
• What are some causes of heart problems?

  1. Narrowing of the arteries (atherosclerosis)
  2. High blood pressure (hypertension)
  3. Heart valve problems
  4. Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
  5. Congenital heart defects
• What are the four chambers of the heart?

  • Two atria
  • Two ventricles
• How does blood flow through the heart?

  From the atria into the ventricles, then out
• What prevents backflow in the heart?

  • Valves
• What can develop when blood vessels are blocked?

  Serious heart conditions
• What controls the natural resting heart rate?

  Specialised cells in the right atrium
• What is the role of pacemaker cells?

  They regulate heart contractions via electrical impulses
• What happens when pacemakers are faulty?

  People experience an irregular heartbeat
• How do artificial pacemakers function?

  They produce currents to regulate heartbeats
• Where are artificial pacemakers implanted?

  Under the skin
• How do artificial pacemakers connect to the heart?

  With wires that produce electrical currents
• What are the main functions of natural and artificial pacemakers?

  Natural Pacemakers:

  • Control resting heart rate
  • Send electrical impulses for contractions

  
  

  Artificial Pacemakers:

  • Regulate heartbeats in case of faults
  • Produce electrical currents to stimulate contractions
• What are cardiovascular diseases?

  Diseases affecting the heart and blood vessels
• What are some examples of cardiovascular diseases?

  Coronary heart disease, faulty valves, heart failure
• What do coronary arteries supply to the heart?

  Oxygen and nutrients to heart cells
• Why do heart muscle cells need oxygen?

  To produce energy for muscle contraction
• What causes coronary heart disease (CHD)?

  Blockage of coronary arteries by fatty buildup
• What is the effect of blocked coronary arteries?

  Restricts blood flow and oxygen to cells
• What is a stent used for?

  To hold arteries open for blood flow
• What are the benefits of using stents?

  Reduce heart attack risk and long-lasting
• What are the risks associated with stent surgery?

  Complications, infections, and thrombosis risk
• What do statins do?

  Reduce 'bad' LDL cholesterol in blood
• What are the benefits of statins?

  Reduce risk of strokes and heart attacks
• What must patients remember when taking statins?

  To take the drug regularly for effectiveness
• What are some side effects of statins?

  Headaches, joint pain, and kidney problems
• How quickly do statins take effect?

  They do not take effect immediately
• What issues can faulty heart valves cause?

  Leaky valves or reduced blood pumping
• What options are available for replacing faulty heart valves?

  Biological or man-made mechanical valves
• How does valve replacement surgery compare to heart transplants?

  Safer than a whole heart transplant
• What is a treatment option for heart failure?

  Whole heart transplant or artificial hearts