Certified Cardiac Rehabilitation Professional (CCRP) Practice Test

When a heart valve is narrowed, this condition is referred to as stenosis. Stenosis restricts the flow of blood through the valve, leading to abnormal flow patterns. As blood is forced through the narrowed opening, it no longer flows smoothly, resulting in turbulent flow rather than laminar flow. This turbulence can create various hemodynamic changes and can lead to increased pressure in the heart chambers behind the affected valve.

Abnormal flow patterns can also cause additional complications, such as damage to the heart muscle over time and contribute to symptoms of heart failure or other cardiovascular issues. Understanding this mechanism is crucial for recognizing how narrowed heart valves can affect overall cardiovascular health and function.