GCSE Combined Science (AQA)

622 videos | 38 hours

Faulty Heart Valves

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Organisation Animal Tissues, Organs and Organ Systems

Faulty Heart Valves

2:38 Heart Disease Treatments
Spec 4.2.2.4
Previous Coronary Heart Disease Next Stents & Statins
  • Heart valves can become faulty, affecting their function.
  • A healthy valve prevents blood from flowing backwards, ensuring one-way flow.
  • Faulty valves may not open fully or may leak, reducing blood flow efficiency.
  • Faulty valves can restrict blood flow or cause backflow.
  • The heart has four valves, any of which can be faulty.
  • Faulty valves can lead to insufficient oxygen and glucose delivery to cells.
  • Symptoms of faulty valves include tiredness, breathlessness, weakness, and chest pain.
  • Faulty heart valves can be replaced with biological or mechanical valves.
  • Biological replacement valves can be made from pig, cow tissue, or donated human tissue.
  • Mechanical valves are made from materials like plastic or metal.
  • Advantages of valve replacement include restored blood flow and lower risk of complications compared to heart transplants.
  • Risks of valve replacement include potential wear of biological valves, blood clots around mechanical valves, bleeding, infection, and the need for anti-blood clotting medication.

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