Lesson 4.2 The Heart at Work

Cardiovascular Technology & Data Heart rate monitors and EKG’s can pick up the electrical signals sent through the heart by measuring impulses in the skin. Sphygmomanometers (blood pressure cuffs) can be linked to a computer to measure blood pressure. EQ1: In what ways can technology be used to collect and analyze cardiovascular data?

Heart Rate In emergencies heart rate can tell us if the heart is working properly and pumping enough blood. Monitored if on certain medications or if you have a disease that lowers heart rate. Can be used to check your overall fitness/stress levels. Can be used to find the cause of symptoms such as lethargy and chest pain. EQ2: Why is it important to monitor the rate at which the heart beats? EQ3: What factors can influence heart rate?

Blood Pressure… Systolic & Diastolic Blood pressure is the amount of force placed on the arteries. It is taken using a Sphygmomanometer. EQ4: What is blood pressure?

Systolic Blood pressure is the amount of pressure when a pulse is first heard when pressure is released. Diastolic pressure is the amount of pressure when the pulse is no longer heard again. EQ5: How do systolic and diastolic blood pressure values relate to the movement of blood in arteries? Measuring BP manually

Systolic… Diastolic… Systolic BP is when the heart is contracting and should be below 120. Anything higher is either prehypertension or hypertension. Diastolic BP is when the heart is at rest and should be below 80. Blood flow under high pressure Blood flow under low pressure EQ5: How do systolic and diastolic blood pressure values relate to the movement of blood in arteries?

BP Factors Exercise – regular exercise can reduce BP EQ6: What factors can influence blood pressure? Exercise – regular exercise can reduce BP Diet – a healthy diet reduces BP, an unhealthy one will raise BP over time. Stress – chronic stress can raise BP Smoking – narrowing of blood vessels Alcohol – over-consumption raises BP

EKG… Electrocardiogram EQ7: What is an EKG? EKG… Electrocardiogram Measures the electric impulse through the heart. SA node “pacemaker” signals atrium to contract (forms P wave). AV node receives signal from SA node. Purkinje fibers signal ventricles to contract (forms QRS complex). Ventricles relax (forms T wave).

Using EKG’s EKG’s can be used to identify cause of heart diseases. EQ8: How can an EKG be used in the diagnosis and treatment of heart disease? EKG’s can be used to identify cause of heart diseases. For Example: Atrial Fibrillation shows multiple small P waves, which means the SA node is not firing correctly.