The Heart

In this task we consider the heart.

Your first job is to recap some of the information you learnt about the heart for your GCSE. Read through the PowerPoint.

Next read through this article about the link between Covid-19 and hypertension. Understanding hypertension and why it is important for heart health is one of the key learning objectives in Unit 1 of the A Level Biology course.

After you have finished reading, answer the questions below. You will need to hand in your answers.

a) If the mortality rate from Covid-19 in a healthy population is 100 in every 1000, what would you expect the mortality rate (in every 1000) to be in a population with high blood pressure?

b) True or False: High blood pressure (hypertension) strengthens the immune system.

c) True or False: High blood pressure weakens arteries?

d) True or False: The heart has to work harder for people with high blood pressure because the concentration of carbon dioxide is lower.

e) True or False: Covid-10 can damage the heart directly.

Now read the article below. Take notes as you read - you will need to show these notes to your teacher.

Finally, answer this question. You will need to show your written answer to your teacher:

f) Why do the semi-lunar valves close during ventricular systole? 

This is the end of this task.