Coronary heart disease: a non-communicable disease: In the case of heart failure a donor heart, or heart and lungs can be transplanted. Artificial hearts are occasionally used to keep patients alive whilst waiting for a heart transplant, or to allow the heart to rest as an aid to recovery.

The idea

Heart failure means the heart cannot pump blood effectively around the body. A donor heart, or a donor heart and lungs together, can be transplanted to replace the failing organs. Donor organs are scarce, so patients may wait a long time and must be matched to reduce rejection. While waiting, an artificial heart can be fitted. It is a mechanical pump that takes over the pumping action, keeping the patient alive until a donor organ becomes available. Sometimes an artificial heart is used temporarily to let the patient's own heart rest, which may help it recover. Artificial hearts are used only occasionally because of risks such as infection, blood clots and bleeding, and because they need a power supply.

What earns the marks

• State that heart failure occurs when the heart cannot pump blood effectively around the body.
• Name a donor heart transplant, or a heart and lungs transplant, as a treatment that replaces the failing organ(s).
• Explain that donor organs are in short supply, so patients may wait a long time for a suitable match.
• Describe an artificial heart as a mechanical pump that keeps a patient alive while they wait for a transplant.
• Explain that an artificial heart can allow the patient's own heart to rest and so aid recovery.
• Recognise that artificial hearts are used only occasionally because of risks such as infection, blood clots or bleeding, and the need for a power supply.

Common mistakes and how to put them right

• Saying an artificial heart cures heart failure permanently.

  Put it right by stating it is usually a temporary measure to keep the patient alive or rest the heart.

• Confusing a heart transplant with a coronary bypass or stent.

  Put it right by stating that a transplant replaces the whole heart (or heart and lungs) with donor organs.

• Claiming donor organs are always immediately available.

  Put it right by explaining that demand exceeds supply, so waiting times can be long.

Exam tips

• Use the phrase 'whilst waiting for a heart transplant' when describing the main purpose of an artificial heart.
• Link each treatment to its purpose: transplant replaces the organ, artificial heart supports the patient temporarily.
• When asked to evaluate, give both a benefit and a risk of artificial hearts rather than only one side.