2. Objectives: Describe the structure of the human heart and its function
Determine the blood vessels and their functions
Explain the meaning of heart pump and heartbeat
Describe the common ailments of the heart
Determine the symptoms, causes, and treatment of
common ailments that affect the heart
Demonstrate ways of caring for the heart
The Structure of the
Heart and Its Function
The human heart is a four-
chambered muscular organ, shaped
and sized roughly like a man's closed
fist. It is divided into four chambers
consisting of two atria and two
ventricles.
.
3. The Heartbeat
A heartbeat is a two-part pumping action that takes about a second.
As blood collects in the upper chambers (the right and left atria), the heart's
natural pacemaker (the SA node) sends out an electrical signal that causes
the atria to contract.
Common Heart Problems
- is a birth defect that could range from a small
hole in the heart to something more severe.
-is the buildup of plaque in the arteries that
supply oxygen-rich blood to your heart. Plaque causes a narrowing or blockage
that could result in a heart attack. Symptoms include chest pain or discomfort and
shortness of breath.
4. is an irregular heartbeat. Heart rhythm problems (heart
arrhythmias) occur when the electrical signals that coordinate the heart's
beats don't work properly. The faulty signaling causes the heart to beat too
fast (tachycardia), too slow (bradycardia) or irregularly.
- the heart's ability to pump blood is decreased
because the heart's main pumping chamber, the left ventricle, is enlarged,
dilated and weak.
- is when the pulmonary
valve (the valve between the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery) is
too small, narrow, or stiff. Symptoms of pulmonary stenosis depend on how
small the narrowing of the pulmonary valve is.
5. How to take care of your heart
1.Eat a heart healthy diet.
2.If overweight, lose weight.
3.Increase regular physical activity to at least 2.5 hours per week.
4.Don't use tobacco.
5.Avoid use of alcohol.
6.Have your blood pressure and blood sugar checked regularly.
Ways to keep your heart healthy
> Cut down on salt.
> Eat less sugar.
> Limit saturated fat.
> Fill up on fruit and vegetables.
> Go for more fish.
> Quit smoking.
> Cut back on alcohol.
> Get more exercise.
