Section 3.10 Circulatory Disorders and Technologies (pg 207)
1) Explain what usually causes a myocardial infarction.
-A heart attack is caused by blockage of blood to heart muscles (increased with inactivity and smoking)
2) What is an electrocardiogram? Why is it useful?
-An electrocardiogram (ECG) is graphical representation of the heart’s activity, allowing doctors to compare/determine if damage has occurred (ie. heart attack).
3) Why is it important to conduct tests quickly when a patient is complaining of chest pain?
-The chest contains vital organs (heart & lungs) and the person may be experiencing severe damage to either (ie. heart attack)
4) Why does arteriosclerosis raise the blood pressure (PB)?
-Arteriosclerosis is the hardening of the arteries and therefore the arteries are no longer elastic. The rigid form of the artery increases the pressure of the blood.
5) Draw a flowchart describing the process of angioplasty and explain why it is an important surgical procedure.
-procedure in which a blocked artery is opened/stretched using a balloon and catheter and permanently remains open with a stent
6) What is coronary bypass surgery and why is it performed?
-A surgical procedure in which a vein graft is used to shunt the blood supply around the blocked area in a coronary artery. A coronary bypass is performed when angioplasty is not effective or appropriate.
7) Why are plaque deposits in arteries dangerous?
-Plaque deposits are dangerous in arteries because they narrow the artery, increase pressure, and can even create a blockage in the artery.
8) See table #1 on page 205 – Heart Diseases
-coronary artery disease: blockage of the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle
-arrhythmias: malfunctions of the electrical system that control the heartbeat
-valve disorders: dysfunction of one or more of the heart valves
-heart muscle disease: inflammation or infection of the heart muscle itself
9) Name the risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease.
-smoking, lack of exercise, high blood cholesterol, high blood pressure, obesity, poor eating habits, diabetes, and heredity
