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Question 1
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A 32 yr. old male who was on methadone has suddenly collapsed while running and was found dead. What is the most likely cause for his death?
Your Answer: Prolonged QT
Explanation:Methadone and cocaine can cause QT prolongation through the direct effects on the resting membrane potential. Methadone can increase QT dispersion in addition to QT interval. Methadone inhibits the Human Ether-a-go-go Related Gene (hERG) and causes QTc prolongation and development of Torsades de point. Brugada-like syndrome is another condition found in methadone users which predisposes the users to life-threatening ventricular tachycardia and sudden cardiac death.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiology
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Question 2
Correct
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A 54 yr. old patient presented with a dry cough after starting treatment for hypertension. He was prescribed ramipril 2.5mg and the dry cough started after that, which disturbed his sleep. His blood pressure was normal. Which of the following is the most appropriate management?
Your Answer: Stop the ramipril and prescribe candesartan
Explanation:ACE inhibitors are known to cause a dry cough and they should be stopped, to settle the cough. The next drug of choice is an angiotensin receptor blocker such as candesartan.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiology
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Question 3
Correct
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A 25 yr. old male presented with an episode of syncope. His examination findings were normal. He gave a history of sudden cardiac death of a close relative. His ECG showed incomplete right bundle-branch block and ST-segment elevations in the anterior precordial leads. What is the most probable diagnosis?
Your Answer: Brugada syndrome
Explanation:Brugada syndrome is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by sudden cardiac death. The positive family history and characteristic ECG findings are in favour of Brugada syndrome. Usually the physical findings are normal.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiology
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Question 4
Correct
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A 72 yr. old male with a history of type II diabetes mellitus and hypertension for 15 years, presented with gradual onset difficulty in breathing on exertion and bilateral ankle swelling for the past 3 months. On examination he had mild ankle oedema. His JVP was not elevated. His heart sounds were normal but he had bibasal crepitations on auscultation. Which of the following clinical signs has the greatest sensitivity in detecting heart failure in this patient?
Your Answer: Third heart sound
Explanation:The presence of a third heart sound is the most sensitive indicator of heart failure. All of the other signs can be found in heart failure with varying degrees.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiology
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Question 5
Correct
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Which of the following is not associated with right axis deviation?
Your Answer: Wolf-Parkinson-White syndrome with right-sided accessory pathway
Explanation:Causes for right axis deviation:
-Right ventricular hypertrophy and Left posterior fascicular block
-Lateral myocardial infarction.
-Acute or chronic lung diseases: Pulmonary embolism, pulmonary hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cor pulmonale.
-Congenital heart disease (e.g., dextrocardia, secundum atrial septal defect).
-Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome.
-Ventricular ectopic rhythms (e.g., ventricular tachycardia). -
This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiology
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Question 6
Correct
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A 70 yr. old female was brought in by the paramedics after she collapsed whilst shopping. She has a tachycardia of 150 bpm and her BP is 100/60 mmHg. Her ECG showed a broad complex tachycardia. Which of the following is more suggestive of a ventricular tachycardia (VT) over a supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) with aberrant conduction?
Your Answer: Atrioventricular dissociation
Explanation:To differentiate VT from SVT with aberrant conduction the following electrocardiographic features should be looked for:
Evidence of preceding atrial activity for SVT. Oesophageal leads are helpful if P waves are hidden in the QRS complex.
QRS duration more than 140 ms for VT.
QRS morphology: Features of QRS morphology that favour SVT are RBBB or triphasic patterns like rSR in V1 and qRS in V6. Monophasic pattern like R or qR in V1 and rS or QS in V6 or multiple morphology QRS complexes favour VT.
AV dissociation for VT. -
This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiology
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Question 7
Correct
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A 45 yr. old male was discharged recently after treatment of bleeding peptic ulcers. 3 days after discharge he was readmitted complaining of acute severe chest pain for the past 1 hour. His ECG showed an acute ST elevation myocardial infarction. His FBC, blood urea, serum electrolytes and serum creatinine were within normal ranges. Faecal occult blood was negative. Which of the following is the most appropriate management for this patient?
Your Answer: Primary angioplasty
Explanation:The patient has a recent history of bleeding peptic ulcer disease, which is an absolute contraindication for thrombolysis. So he should be offered primary angioplasty.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiology
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Question 8
Correct
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A 65 yr. male patient was started on warfarin for chronic atrial fibrillation (AF). Which of the following clotting factors is not affected by warfarin?
Your Answer: Factor XII
Explanation:Carboxylation of factor II, VII, IX, X and protein C is affected by warfarin. Factor XII is not affected.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiology
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Question 9
Incorrect
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Which of the following is the site where B-type natriuretic peptide is mainly secreted?
Your Answer: Atrial myocardium
Correct Answer: Ventricular myocardium
Explanation:B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is secreted mainly from the left ventricle and it is secreted as a response to stretching caused by increased ventricular blood volume.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiology
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Question 10
Correct
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A 68 yr. old male with history of poorly controlled hypertension was admitted with shortness of breath on exertion, orthopnoea for three months. He was diagnosed with congestive cardiac failure and was started on digoxin 62.5 μg daily, furosemide 80mg daily and amiloride 10mg daily. On admission his lab results showed that his serum urea was 6 mmol/L and serum creatinine was 115 μmol/L. One month later he came for a follow up consultation. On examination he had bilateral ankle oedema. His blood pressure was 138/90 mmHg and pulse rate was 92 bpm. His JVP was not elevated. His apex beat was displaced laterally and he had a few bibasal crepitations on auscultation. There were no cardiac murmurs. His investigation results revealed the following: Serum sodium 143 mmol/L (137-144), Serum potassium 3.5 mmol/L (3.5-4.9), Serum urea 8 mmol/L (2.5-7.5), Serum creatinine 140 μmol/L (60-110), Serum digoxin 0.7 ng/mL (1.0-2.0). CXR showed cardiomegaly and a calcified aorta. ECG showed left ventricular hypertrophy. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in the management of this patient?
Your Answer: Add an ACE inhibitor to the current regimen
Explanation:From the given history the patient has NYHA grade III heart failure. He can be safely started on an ACE inhibitor as his serum potassium was towards the lower limit. As there an impairment of renal function, his urea, creatinine and serum electrolytes should be closely monitored after commencing an ACE inhibitor. Adding atenolol will not have any clinical benefit. Increasing the digoxin dose is not needed as the patient is in sinus rhythm. Increasing furosemide will only have symptomatic relief.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiology
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Question 11
Correct
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A 50 yr. old male presented with acute severe central chest pain and acute ST elevation myocardial infarction was diagnosed. He was treated with streptokinase. 2 days later he was sweating excessively and he was found to be hypotensive. Which of the following cannot be considered as a reason for this presentation?
Your Answer: Hypotensive effect of streptokinase
Explanation:Hypotensive effect of streptokinase occurs during the streptokinase infusion which is usually transient. Acute mitral regurgitation due to rupture of papillary muscles, ventricular septal defects and reinfarctions (left or right) are known to cause hypotension after 24 hrs. Pulmonary embolism is less likely but cannot be excluded.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiology
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Question 12
Correct
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A 28 yr. old primigravida in her 24th week of pregnancy presented with a history of palpitations, which are fast and regular. She doesn't complain of any episodes of collapse. On examination she was well, pulse rate was 102 bpm, which was regular and her blood pressure was 110/70 mmHg. Her JVP was not elevated. Heart sounds were normal. ECH showed sinus tachycardia. Which of the following can be expected because of the physiological changes which occur in the boy during pregnancy?
Your Answer: Tachycardia
Explanation:The cardiovascular alterations which occur during pregnancy are for the optimal growth and development of the foetus and help to protect the mother from the risks of delivery, such as haemorrhage. The changes are characterized by an increased vascular volume, cardiac output, and heart rate, with a marked fall in vascular resistance and reduction in blood pressure.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiology
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Question 13
Incorrect
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A 30 yr. old primigravida in her 23rd week of pregnancy presented with palpitations. Her ECG showed supraventricular tachycardia (SVT). 15 minutes after admission the SVT spontaneously reverted to sinus rhythm. She had two episodes of SVT later which were associated with palpitations. Which of the following is the most appropriate treatment for this presentation?
Your Answer: Metoprolol
Correct Answer: Verapamil
Explanation:Both long-acting calcium channel blockers and beta blockers improve symptoms of patients with SVT. Verapamil does not have adverse maternal or fetal side effects which would suggest that the use of verapamil in the treatment of supraventricular arrhythmias in pregnancy is safe and effective. Beta blockers are associated with intrauterine fetal growth restriction.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiology
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Question 14
Incorrect
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Which of the following features of the jugular venous waveform indicates the closure of the tricuspid valve?
Your Answer: v wave
Correct Answer: c wave
Explanation:The a wave indicates atrial contraction. The c wave indicates ventricular contraction and resulting bulging of the tricuspid valve into the right atrium during isovolumetric systole. The v wave indicates venous filling. The x descent indicates the atrium relaxation and the movement of tricuspid valve downward. The y descent indicates the filling of the ventricle after the opening of the tricuspid valve.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiology
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Question 15
Correct
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A 25 yr. old female presented with a history of sudden collapse. She had been playing netball and had suddenly collapsed. This collapse had been accompanied by a brief period of loss of consciousness. She experienced palpitations for a brief period prior to losing consciousness. On examination her BP was 120/70 mmHg and pulse rate was 72 bpm, which was regular. The rest of the examination was also normal. She had similar experience of collapse, about two years ago. She was well except for these two incidents and she has not been on any medication. All the investigations done at the first presentation (2 years ago), including FBC, ECG and echocardiography were normal. Her ECG done at this presentation revealed QT prolongation of 0.50 s. FBC, CXR and other investigations were normal. Which of the following is the best way of managing this patient?
Your Answer: Start on a beta-blocker
Explanation:Beta-blockers are drugs of choice for patients with LQTS. The protective effect of beta-blockers is related to their adrenergic blockade, which diminishes the risk of cardiac arrhythmias. They may also reduce the QT interval in some patients.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiology
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Question 16
Correct
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A 65 yr. old male presented with acute ST elevation myocardial infarction and thrombolysis was planned. Which of the following is an absolute contraindication for thrombolysis?
Your Answer: Intracerebral Haemorrhage
Explanation:Absolute contraindications for fibrinolytic use in STEMI
Prior intracranial haemorrhage (ICH)
Known structural cerebral vascular lesion
Known malignant intracranial neoplasm
Ischemic stroke within 3 months
Suspected aortic dissection
Active bleeding or bleeding diathesis (excluding menses)
Significant closed head trauma or facial trauma within 3 months
Intracranial or intraspinal surgery within 2 months
Severe uncontrolled hypertension (unresponsive to emergency therapy)
For streptokinase, prior treatment within the previous 6 months -
This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiology
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Question 17
Correct
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A 60 yr. old male patient with hypertension presented with acute onset retrosternal chest pain for 3 hours. On examination his pulse rate was 68 bpm, BP was 100/60 mmHg and JVP was seen 3mm from the sternal notch. Respiratory examination was normal. His ECG showed narrow QRS complexes, ST segment elevation of 2mm in leads II, III and aVF and a complete heart block. What is the most immediate treatment from the following answers?
Your Answer: Chewable aspirin 300 mg
Explanation:The diagnosis is inferior ST elevation myocardial infarction. As the right coronary artery supplies the SA and AV nodes and bundle of His, conduction abnormalities are more common with inferior MIs. The most immediate drug management is high dose Aspirin. Definite treatment is urgent cardiac revascularization.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiology
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Question 18
Correct
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A 60 year old male patient with a history of heavy smoking was admitted complaining of acute severe central chest pain for the past one hour. His blood pressure was 150/90 mmHg and pulse rate was 88 bpm. His peripheral oxygen saturation was 93%. ECG showed ST elevation > 2mm in lead II, III and aVF. He was given loading doses of aspirin, clopidogrel and atorvastatin and face mask oxygen was given. Which one of the following investigations should be done and then depending on result, definitive treatment can be initiated?
Your Answer: None
Explanation:The history and ECG findings are adequate to begin cardiac revascularization of this patient. There is no need for cardiac markers to confirm the diagnosis. Further delay in starting definite treatment is not recommended.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiology
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Question 19
Incorrect
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A 60 yr. old man with atrial fibrillation (AF) who is on warfarin and is awaiting tooth extraction. Recent INR was 2.7 and his target INR was 2.0-3.0. Which of the following is the most appropriate management?
Your Answer: Check INR 72 hours before procedure, proceed if INR < 2.5
Correct Answer:
Explanation:The latest reserches say that simple tooth extraction in patients on warfarin treatment can be performed safely without high risk of bleeding, providing that the INR is equal to or less than 3.5 on the day of extraction. A close follow-up and monitoring of patients taking warfarin is mandatory after dental extraction.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiology
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Question 20
Correct
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A 28 yr. old male was screened for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HOCM). His father has passed away recently at the age of 48 and found to have HOCM during post mortem examination. On examination of this patient his BP was 142/84 mmHg and pulse rate was 68 bpm which was regular. There was a mid systolic murmur and a double apex beat. Echocardiography showed a septal wall thickness of 3.3 cm. What is the factor most closely linked to his 20 year risk of sudden cardiac death?
Your Answer: Septal wall thickness of 3.3 cm
Explanation:There are five prognostic factors which indicate poor prognosis in HOCM:
-family history of HOCM-related sudden cardiac death
-unexplained recent syncope
-large left ventricular wall thickness (MLVWT ≥ 30 mm)
-multiple bursts of nsVT on ambulatory electrocardiography
-hypotensive or attenuated blood pressure response to exercise -
This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiology
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Question 21
Incorrect
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A 50 yr. old male with a history of type II diabetes mellitus and hypertension presented with exertional dyspnoea and chest pain for 2 weeks. On examination his blood pressure was 145/80 mmHg. On auscultation reversed splitting of the second heart sound and bibasal crepitations were detected. What would be the most likely finding on his ECG?
Your Answer: P mitrale
Correct Answer: Left bundle branch block
Explanation:When closure of the pulmonary valve occurs before the aortic valve, reversed splitting occurs. The causes of reversed splitting are aortic stenosis, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, left bundle branch block (LBBB), and a ventricular pacemaker.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiology
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Question 22
Correct
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Which of the following statements describe the mechanism of fibrates most accurately?
Your Answer: Increased lipoprotein lipase activity via PPAR-alpha
Explanation:The main mechanism of fibrate drugs is activation of gene transcription factors known as PPARs, particularly PPAR-α, which regulate the expression of genes that control lipoprotein metabolism. There are several consequences of PPAR-α activation, which reduce circulating LDL cholesterol and triglycerides and increase HDL cholesterol.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiology
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Question 23
Correct
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Which of the following is the mechanism of action of bivalirudin in acute coronary syndrome?
Your Answer: Reversible direct thrombin inhibitor
Explanation:Bivalirudin is a competitive, direct thrombin inhibitor. It inhibits both free and clot-bound thrombin and thrombin-induced platelet aggregation. Thrombin enables fibrinogen conversion to fibrin during the coagulation cascade. So inhibition of fibrinogen conversion to fibrin inhibits thrombus development.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiology
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Question 24
Correct
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A 60 yr. old female presented after an acute overdose of amiodarone. Her blood pressure was 110/70 mmHg and pulse rate was 35 bpm. She was given 500mcg of atropine but there was no response. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step?
Your Answer: Isoprenaline
Explanation:Permanent pacing is not indicated as the bradycardia is reversible. Temporary pacing is the definite treatment. Isoprenaline can be used until temporary pacing is available.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiology
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Question 25
Correct
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A 70 yr. old male patient presented with chronic congestive heart failure. Which of the following is the most important factor to consider when prescribing drugs for this patient?
Your Answer: Administration of a B-blocker reduces the time spent in hospital
Explanation:It is proven that spironolactone has survival benefits and loop diuretics only give symptomatic relief. Beta blockers are however, known to improve exercise tolerance, left ventricular function and reduce symptoms. They also reduce the mortality associated with heart failure. So administration of beta blockers will reduce the time spent in hospital by improving symptoms.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiology
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Question 26
Correct
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Which of the following indicates the opening of tricuspid valve in jugular venous waveform?
Your Answer: y descent
Explanation:The a wave indicates atrial contraction. The c wave indicates ventricular contraction and the resulting bulging of tricuspid valve into the right atrium during isovolumetric systole. The v wave indicates venous filling. The x descent indicates the atrium relaxation and the movement of the tricuspid valve downward. The y descent indicates the filling of the ventricle after tricuspid opening.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiology
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Question 27
Correct
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A 50 yr. old male presented with episodes of collapse during the last month. Each episode persisted for about 2-3 minutes. They were self-limiting and associated with twitching of the limbs. There was no associated tonic-clonic movements, tongue biting, urinary or faecal incontinence. On examination he had reversed splitting of S2 and an ejection systolic murmur at the right sternal border. His electrocardiogram (ECG) showed left ventricular hypertrophy with strain pattern. CXR showed an area of calcification over the cardiac silhouette. Which of the following is the most probable diagnosis of this patient?
Your Answer: Aortic stenosis
Explanation:The classic triad of symptoms in patients with aortic stenosis is chest pain, heart failure and syncope. Pulsus parvus et tardus, pulsus alternans, hyperdynamic left ventricle, reversed splitting of the S2, prominent S4 and systolic murmur are some of the common findings of aortic stenosis. A calcified aortic valve is found in almost all adults with hemodynamically significant aortic stenosis.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiology
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Question 28
Correct
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A 60 yr. old male with no past medical history presented to Casualty with acute chest pain. ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is diagnosed following an ECG on arrival. He was subsequently successfully thrombolysed. Which of the following combinations of drugs is the most suitable combination for him to be taking 4 weeks after his STEMI?
Your Answer: ACE inhibitor + beta-blocker + statin + aspirin + clopidogrel
Explanation:According to NICE guidelines (2013) all people who have had an acute MI, treatment should be offered with ACE inhibitor, dual antiplatelet therapy (aspirin plus a second antiplatelet agent), beta-blocker and a statin.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiology
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Question 29
Incorrect
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A 62 yr. old male presented with worsening breathlessness and fatiguability. On examination there was bilateral ankle swelling and pulsatile liver. Auscultation revealed a pansystolic murmur best heard at the lower left sternal border. Which of the following is the most probable diagnosis?
Your Answer: Mitral regurgitation
Correct Answer: Tricuspid regurgitation
Explanation:All the clinical features are suggestive of tricuspid regurgitation. The pansystolic murmur of mitral regurgitation is best heard at the apex.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiology
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Question 30
Correct
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A 30 yr. old male patient presented with palpitations that occur randomly at rest. There have however been episodes of fast palpitations and dizziness on exertion. On examination there was a systolic murmur at the apex as well as a prominent apex beat and the chest was clear. Which of the following is LEAST likely to suggest a diagnosis of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy?
Your Answer: A history of hypertension for 10 years
Explanation:Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is an autosomal dominant condition. Patients present with sudden cardiac death, dyspnoea, syncope and presyncope, angina, palpitations, orthopnoea and paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnoea, Congestive heart failure and dizziness. Physical findings include double or triple apical impulse, prominent a wave in the JVP, an ejection systolic crescendo-decrescendo murmur and a holosystolic murmur at the apex and axilla of mitral regurgitation.
ECG shows ST-T wave abnormalities and LVH, axis deviation (right or left), conduction abnormalities (P-R prolongation, bundle-branch block), sinus bradycardia with ectopic atrial rhythm, atrial enlargement, abnormal and prominent Q wave in the anterior precordial and lateral limb leads.
2D echocardiography shows abnormal systolic anterior leaflet motion of the mitral valve, LVH, left atrial enlargement, small ventricular chamber size, septal hypertrophy with septal-to-free wall ratio greater than 1.4:1, mitral valve prolapse and mitral regurgitation, decreased midaortic flow, partial systolic closure of the aortic valve in midsystole -
This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiology
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