9.2 Heart

• The activity of the heart is monitored by:

  1. ECG.
  2. Pulse rate.
  3. Listening to the valves closing.
• The septum ensures that the oxygenated and deoxygenated blood don't mix by creating a barrier.
• The left ventricle has a thicker wall of muscle because it pushes blood all around the body but the right only pumps to the lungs.
• • Physical activity makes the heart beat more quickly and deeply for increased blood circulation so that more oxygen and glucose can get to the muscle.
• The coronary arteries are the heart’s blood supply.

  • The coronary artery becomes blocked, interrupting blood supply to the heart muscle.
  • Part of the heart muscle stops contracting, causing a heart attack
  • Risk factors are diet, lack of exercise, stress, smoking, genetic predisposition, age and sex
  • This can be prevented by not smoking, avoiding fatty food (a good diet) and exercising regularly