The Heart Page Two And Three

Question 1

What is the pericardium?

Answer 1

Covered by a fluid filled sac (pericardium) which reduces friction on a moving heart.

Example: The pericardium helps protect and lubricate the heart.

Question 2

How many chambers does the heart have?

Answer 2

Heart is four chambered, two atria which are holding chambers and two ventricles which are pumping chambers.

Additional information: Atria receive blood while ventricles pump blood.

Question 3

What is the function of the coronary arteries?

Answer 3

Coronary arteries supply the heart with blood. A block in one of these arteries can cause angina or chest pain due to low O2 supply (20% of the blood to heart in stress).

Example: Angina can occur when there is a reduced blood supply to the heart muscle.

Question 4

How is a blockage in a coronary artery detected?

Answer 4

A blockage in a coronary artery can be detected by injecting a dye into the coronary arteries that is visible on x-ray, this is called cardiac catheterization. If surgery is needed a graft is an option. A leg vein is grafted to bypass the blockage and improve blood flow.

Additional information: Cardiac catheterization is a common diagnostic procedure for heart conditions.