When evaluating a stenotic valve, which chamber experiences pressure fall?

When evaluating a stenotic valve, which chamber experiences pressure fall?

• A. Distal
• B. Proximal
• C. Apical
• D. Basal

Answer: (A)

When flow is obstructed by a stenotic valve, a pressure gradient forms across the valve: pressure builds up in the chamber before the valve and falls in the chamber after it. The downstream or distal chamber experiences the pressure fall because the narrowed opening limits how much pressure can be transmitted forward. For example, with aortic stenosis, the left ventricle (proximal to the valve) must generate high pressure to push blood through, while the aorta (distal to the valve) has lower systolic pressure relative to the ventricle. The terms apical or basal describe location within the heart and don’t define the direction of this gradient.

When flow is obstructed by a stenotic valve, a pressure gradient forms across the valve: pressure builds up in the chamber before the valve and falls in the chamber after it. The downstream or distal chamber experiences the pressure fall because the narrowed opening limits how much pressure can be transmitted forward. For example, with aortic stenosis, the left ventricle (proximal to the valve) must generate high pressure to push blood through, while the aorta (distal to the valve) has lower systolic pressure relative to the ventricle. The terms apical or basal describe location within the heart and don’t define the direction of this gradient.