Chapter 4, Problem 1RE

Summary Introduction

To determine: The comparison between the functioning of the heart replaced by scar tissue and normal heart function.

Introduction: The heart constitutes the primary organs of the system and the arteries, veins, and blood capillaries from the associated structures of the cardiovascular system. Among the blood vessels, the pulmonary artery, vein and aorta form the largest and most important vessel system.

Explanation of Solution

Chronic heart failure is the condition in which the body of an individual cannot pump sufficient amount of blood to the heart. This gradually develops and increases the frequency of heart attacks. Some of the symptoms of chronic heart failure that progresses over time are dyspnea (shortness of breath), swelling in the leg, and fatigue.

The lack of blood supply to the tissue of the heart causes the development of scar tissue which is a necrotic part of the heart that did not receive proper blood supply. The scar tissue or the damaged area does not contract and pump the blood due to loss of function.

As a consequence the damaged part of the heart hampers the functioning of the heart and causes more strain on the heart to effectively pump the blood to all the organs of the body. Contrastingly, the healthy heart with no scar tissue is able to pump the blood to all the organs without causing exertion on the muscles of the heart.