[Campbell Biology P.999] A patient undergoes surgical replacement of a defective heart valve... | Practice Question

A patient undergoes surgical replacement of a defective heart valve. Based on your understanding of the cardiac cycle, which of the following is the most likely expected positive change in cardiac function after a successful valve replacement?

  • A: A significant decrease in the overall cardiac output.
  • B: Improved efficiency of blood flow and reduced backflow within the heart.
  • C: A decrease in the pulse rate due to reduced workload on the SA node.
  • D: An increase in the mixing of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood.

Explanation

Defective heart valves often lead to inefficient blood flow, either by not opening fully stenosis or not closing completely regurgitation/insufficiency , causing blood to backflow. Replacing a defective valve would restore proper unidirectional blood flow, thus significantly improving the efficiency of the heart's pumping action and preventing backflow. This directly translates to improved cardiac function.