Utiliterian Ethics

Research questions :

Why is the constant beating of the heart important?

What causes the heart to beat abnormally?

What are the implications of having an abnormal heart beat?

What is an artificial pacemaker and how does it regulate an abnormal heart beat?

How are artificial pacemakers implanted?

What are the advantages and disadvantages of using an artificial pacemaker?

What are some alternatives used instead of artificial pacemakers?

The importance of the heart

The heart is an essential organ possessed by every living human. It is vital as it pumps blood rich in oxygen (received from the lungs) to every living cell within the body and pumps deoxygenated blood to the lungs (from the body)1. In the opposite diagram of a human heart, the blue sections represent the transport of deoxygenated blood and the red sections represent the transport of oxygenated blood. The heart is necessary in sustaining the lives of every single human being. This is because without oxygen, cells cannot carry out the process of cellular respiration (the release of energy from glucose). This means that the body cells will have insufficient energy to carry out regular functions needed for sustaining life. Every single cell in the human body is affected by the beating of the heart, as enough oxygen has to be supplied for them to function properly. Without the constant beating of the heart, major organs (e.g. the brain and kidneys) will stop functioning at their full potential. It is therefore vital that the heart beats at a continuous rate all of the time.

The Electrical System of the Heart

The pumping action of our heart is caused by a constant rhythm of contractions and expansions. 2This is also known as a heartbeat. Our heart beats due to electrical impulses sent by the sinus node (also known as the "natural pacemaker".)3The electrical impulse generated travels to the AV node, then to the numerous conduction pathways at the bottom of the heart. This then...