Heart Anatomy and Physiology

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of the pericardium?

To produce red blood cells

To initiate electrical impulses in the heart

To protect and anchor the heart (correct)

To circulate oxygenated blood

Which of the following structures does NOT help prevent backflow in the heart?

Aorta (correct)

Pulmonic valve

Tricuspid valve

Mitral valve

Where is the heart located in relation to the midline of the body?

Superior to the vertebral column

To the right of the midline

To the left of the midline (correct)

Directly in the center of the thoracic cavity

What is the function of the pericardial fluid?

To minimize friction when the heart beats Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about coronary circulation is true?

It is the functional blood supply to the heart Signup and view all the answers

What can sudden weight gain indicate in relation to heart health?

Development or progression of heart failure Signup and view all the answers

Which class of the New York Heart Association classification indicates no limitation of physical activity?

Class I Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of reduced blood flow to the stomach in heart failure?

Decreased ability to absorb nutrients Signup and view all the answers

How can fluid retention be related to heart failure?

It is a common sign of worsening heart condition Signup and view all the answers

In what context is weight loss mentioned with respect to heart failure?

Reduced blood flow causing nutrient absorption issues Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of arteries in the circulatory system?

Carry blood away from the heart Signup and view all the answers

During which phase of the cardiac cycle do the AV valves open?

When atrial pressure exceeds ventricular pressure Signup and view all the answers

How is cardiac output (CO) defined?

The amount of blood pumped by each ventricle in one minute Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the semilunar (SL) valves during ventricular contraction?

They open to allow blood ejection Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of capillaries in the circulatory system?

Serve cellular needs by allowing substance exchange Signup and view all the answers

What directly influences stroke volume (SV)?

The amount of blood pumped out by a ventricle with each beat Signup and view all the answers

What condition could lead to a decrease in cardiac output?

Decrease in stroke volume Signup and view all the answers

What is the normal range of cardiac output in liters per minute?

5L or more Signup and view all the answers

What is a common experience for someone with heart failure during exertion?

Shortness of breath Signup and view all the answers

What causes fluid to leak into the lungs in heart failure patients?

Blood backing up in pulmonary veins Signup and view all the answers

What might indicate that fluid is building up in the body tissues of a heart failure patient?

Swelling in extremities Signup and view all the answers

Why might a heart failure patient experience persistent coughing?

Due to excess fluid in the lungs Signup and view all the answers

When might a heart failure patient experience sudden breathlessness?

While sleeping at night Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason there is not enough blood pumped out of the heart with each heartbeat in heart failure?

Poor heart muscle function Signup and view all the answers

What does the cough produced by a heart failure patient often resemble?

White or pink blood-tinged mucus Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom is NOT typically associated with heart failure?

Increased energy levels Signup and view all the answers

What is a common sign of heart failure related to physical activity?

Shortness of breath during activity Signup and view all the answers

What causes a feeling of tiredness and fatigue in individuals with heart failure?

Inadequate blood supply to vital organs Signup and view all the answers

How does heart failure affect appetite?

Decreases appetite due to digestive system disruption Signup and view all the answers

What compensatory mechanism does the heart employ in heart failure to maintain blood circulation?

Increases heart rate Signup and view all the answers

What causes swelling or edema in individuals with heart failure?

Fluid backed up in the veins due to poor heart function Signup and view all the answers

What is a common physical experience that may occur after eating for individuals with heart failure?

Feeling sleepy after eating Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following symptoms is associated with heart palpitations?

Racing or throbbing feeling of the heart Signup and view all the answers

What happens to blood flow in less vital organs during heart failure?

It is diverted to the heart and brain Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential outcome of decreased myocardial function?

Death of myocardial cells Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a pharmacological treatment for heart failure?

Diuretics Signup and view all the answers

Which intervention is specifically used for patients with coronary artery disease (CAD)?

Revascularisation (CABG/PCI) Signup and view all the answers

What lifestyle modification is recommended for patients experiencing severe heart failure?

Limit salt intake to no more than 5g/day Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of cardiac rehabilitation?

To enhance quality of life and cardiopulmonary function Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about heart failure mortality is correct?

5-year mortality can exceed 50%. Signup and view all the answers

What role do neighboring myocardial cells play when other cells die?

They attempt to compensate by altering their shape and workload. Signup and view all the answers

Which pharmacological treatment specifically targets the inhibition of the If channel?

Ivabradine Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Heart Anatomy and Location

Heart size is approximately the size of a fist.
Location: Superior surface of the diaphragm, left of the midline, anterior to the vertebral column, and posterior to the sternum.

Heart Covering

Protects and anchors the heart.
Contains pain receptors and mechanoreceptors that cause changes in blood pressure and heart rate.
Pericardial fluid acts as a lubricant, minimizing friction during heartbeats.

Heart Chambers and Valves

Four chambers: Right atrium and ventricle, left atrium and ventricle
Atrioventricular (AV) valves: Tricuspid and mitral valve.
Semilunar (SL) valves: Pulmonic and aortic valve.

Coronary Circulation

Coronary circulation is the functional blood supply to the heart.
Coronary arteries supply blood to the heart via vessels.

Heart Physiology: Blood Pathway

Blood circulates through a closed system of vessels.
The three major vessel types are arteries, capillaries, and veins.
Arteries carry blood away from the heart. Veins carry blood toward the heart.
Capillaries directly serve cellular needs.

Cardiac Cycle

Blood flows from higher to lower pressure.
Contraction increases pressure.
Valves open and close in response to pressure gradients.

Cardiac Output (CO)

The amount of blood pumped by each ventricle per minute.
Measured as heart rate (HR) multiplied by stroke volume (SV).
HR: Number of heart beats per minute.
SV: Amount of blood pumped out by a ventricle with each beat.

Cardiac Conduction System

Sinoatrial (SA) node initiates impulses (pacemaker).
Impulse travels through the atrioventricular (AV) node, delaying the impetus.
AV bundle (bundle of His) transmits the impulse to the ventricles.
Purkinje fibers carry the impulse through the ventricles.
Electrical activity is recorded by electrocardiogram (ECG).

Cardiovascular Assessment

Health history and exam.
ECG (electrocardiogram).
Blood tests.
Echo & Treadmill.
Cardiac Catheterization.

Heart Failure: Overview

Heart failure (HF): A complex clinical syndrome where the heart's pumping ability is insufficient to meet the metabolic requirements of the body.
In layman's terms: the heart isn't effectively pumping blood.

Heart Failure: Epidemiology

Worldwide prevalence of ~ 1-3%.
Prevalence increases with age (>1% in <55 versus ~10% in >70).
Recent increases in incidence in younger adults ( <50 years old).

Heart Failure: Types of Heart Failure

Biventricular or left/right failure (systolic and diastolic).
Cor pulmonale secondary to pulmonary hypertension.
Left-sided heart failure (impaired ability of the left ventricle to supply adequate cardiac output).
Right-sided heart failure (impaired ability of the right ventricle to deliver blood).
Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF).
Heart failure with mildly reduced ejection fraction (HFmrEF).
Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF).
Right ventricular dysfunction.

Heart Failure: Signs and Symptoms

Shortness of breath (dyspnea).
Persistent coughing or wheezing.
Fluid buildup in the lungs, causing difficulty breathing ("pulmonary edema").
Swelling in the body tissues (edema)
Tiredness, fatigue
Lack of appetite, nausea
Increased heart rate.
Weight changes

Heart Failure: Causes

Coronary artery disease (CAD).
Hypertension
Diabetes
Valve disease

Heart Failure: Pathophysiology

Coronary heart disease (CAD): Plaques build up in the coronary arteries, reducing blood flow to the myocardium, causing cell injury and death.
Diabetes Mellitus: High blood sugar levels damage blood vessels supplying the heart. Resulting in reduction in blood flow through the myocardium.

Heart Failure: Mortality

Significant 1 and 5-year mortality rates.

Heart Failure: Risk Factors

Sedentary lifestyle, smoking, obesity, excessive alcohol intake, influenza, and cardiomyopathy.
Cardiotoxic drugs, radiation, hypertension, dyslipidaemia, and diabetes mellitus.

Heart Failure: Treatment

Pharmacological treatment (ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, ARNI, SGLT2 inhibitors, ivabradine)
Disease-specific interventions (revascularization in coronary artery disease, valve repair/replacement.)
Implantable cardioverter defibrillators.
Cardiac resynchronisation therapy.

Heart Failure: Cardiac Rehabilitation

Comprehensive supervised program.
Multidisciplinary teams (physicians, nurses, therapists, dietitians, social workers).

Heart Failure: Lifestyle Modification

Drug compliance
Regular exercise
Fluid restriction.
Salt restriction.
Symptom monitoring.
Quit smoking.

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Description

Explore the fascinating structure and function of the heart in this quiz. Learn about its anatomy, chambers, valves, and the importance of coronary circulation. Test your knowledge on how blood flows through the heart and the roles of different heart coverings.