Certified Cardiac Rehabilitation Professional (CCRP) Practice Test 2025 – Complete All-in-One Guide for Exam Success!

Fatigue in a cardiac patient is often associated with weakness from decreased cardiac output. Cardiac output is the amount of blood the heart pumps in a minute; when this is reduced, the body's organs and tissues may not receive sufficient blood flow and oxygen. As a result, patients may experience fatigue as their energy levels decrease, and they may feel more tired and less able to perform daily activities.

This decreased output is particularly common in individuals with heart failure or other cardiac conditions, where the heart's pumping ability is compromised. The insufficient delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the muscles and other vital organs contributes to a sense of weakness and fatigue, significantly impacting the quality of life for these patients.

In contrast, options like increased exercise tolerance or improved oxygen utilization typically reflect improved cardiovascular function or conditioning, which are generally not associated with fatigue. High blood pressure, while a significant health concern, does not directly correlate with the specific fatigue mechanism related to decreased cardiac output.