Case study: A 56-year man suffering from shortness of breath,bradycardia, dizziness and fatigue presents to his GP. He isalready on medication for hypertension, so she refers him to acardiologist for further investigations. The doctor orders anechocardiogram and a CT scan. The results of the tests reveal thatthe man has an abnormal aortic valve that is interfering with theheart function.
- Define bradycardia and state two causes of this condition [3marks]
- Describe the structure and function of the aortic valve andexplain the consequences of an incompetent valve. [7 marks].
The patient undergoes surgery toreplace the heart valve and is prescribed warfarin. He is releasedfrom hospital and while at home he is visited by a nurse whoadministers the warfarin. During the process, the man collapses andis taken back to hospital. He is diagnosed with a heart block, withatrial fibrillation.
- Explain why warfarin is prescribed following valve replacementsurgery. [1 mark]
- Explain what is meant by a heart block [3 marks].
- Explain what is meant by atrial fibrillation. [2 marks]
- Outlines 2 methods that can be used to treat atrialfibrillation [2 marks]
- Briefly outline how a pacemaker works. [2 marks]
