Helping the heart Flashcards

1
Q

In what case would a biological valve or mechanical valve be needed

A

If the heart valves are faulty
For example:

Sometimes the heart valves do not fully open (become stiff) so the heart has to pump extra hard to get the blood through. This can cause the heart to enlarge

Other times the valves are leaky which can cause the patient to feel weak and tired

Overall, these faults make the heart less efficient.

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2
Q

Consequences of faulty heart valves

A

Sometimes the heart valves do not fully open (become stiff) so the heart has to pump extra hard to get the blood through. This can cause the heart to enlarge

Other times the valves are leaky, allowing blood to flow in both directions rather than just forward. This means that blood does not circulate as effectively as normal. This can cause the patient to feel weak and tired

Overall, these faults make the heart less efficient.

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3
Q

If faulty valves are not treated what could eventually happen

A

People affected will eventually die without treatment of heart valves

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4
Q

When heart valves are faulty what they be replaced by

A

When heart valves are faulty, they can be replaced by a mechanical valve (made from materials such as titanium and polymers) or a biological valve (valves based on the valves taken from animals such as pigs, cows or human donors)

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5
Q

What are biological valves made out of

A

Biological valves are based on the valves taken from animals such as pigs, cows or human donors

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6
Q

What are mechanical valves made out of

A

Mechanical valves are made from materials such as titanium and polymers

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7
Q

Advantages and disadvantages of mechanical valves

A

Advantages:
Mechanical valves last a very long time

Disadvantages:
Mechanical valves increase the risk of blood clots

Medication may have to be taken for the rest of a patients life to prevent the blood from clotting around the mechanical valve

There is a risk of serious complications with surgery

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8
Q

Advantages and disadvantages of biological valves

A

Advantages:
Patients do not need to take any medication.

Disadvantages:
Biological valves only last about 12-15 years.

There is a risk of serious complications with surgery

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9
Q

How might valves become damaged

A

The valves in the heart can be damaged or weakened by heart attacks, infection or old age.

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10
Q

Why may an donated or artificial heart be needed

A

The heart cannot pump enough blood around the body. This is called heart failure

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11
Q

What can be given to a patient if they experience heart failure

A

When the heart fails completely, a donor heart or a donor heart and lungs can be transplanted

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12
Q

Problems with donated heart transplant

A

There are not enough donated hearts available to treat every patient

The patient must take drugs to stop the donated heart from being rejected by the body’s immune system.

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13
Q

In what instance would a patient be given an artificial heart

A

A patient can be given an artificial heart as a temporary solution while waiting for a heart transplant or to allow their damaged heart to rest and recover.

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14
Q

Disadvantages of artificial hearts

A

Artificial heart increase the risk of blood clotting which can lead to death (There are not a long-term solution to heart failure.)

Surgery can lead to bleeding and infection

The blood does not flow as easily and can lead to blood clots which could lead to strokes. Blood thinners (such as warfarin) need to be taken to prevent this. This could cause problems with bleeding if they’re hurt in an accident

Parts of the heart can wear out and stop working (For example the electrical motor could fail)

Artificial hearts need a lot of machinery to keep them working. Most patients have to stay in hospital until they have their donated heart transplant.

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15
Q

What do people need to when they need a heart transplant, what are the consequences of this.

A

When a patient needs a heart transplant, they have to wait for a donor heart that is a tissue match. As a result, many people die before they get a change to have a transplant

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16
Q

What effect can a part or whole artificial heart have on a patient

A

The implanted, part or whole artificial heart removes the strain of keeping the blood circulating for a few weeks or months.

17
Q

Give the advantages of artificial hearts

A

The artificial heart is they are less likely to be rejected by the body’s immune system than a donor heart. This is because they are made from metals or plastics, so the body does not recognise them as ‘foreign’ and attack in the same way as it does with living tissue.

The artificial heart keeps the patient alive whilst waiting for a transplant

18
Q

What is an artificial heart

A

An artificial heart is a mechanical devices that pump blood for a person whose own heart has failed.