-
Question 1
Incorrect
-
A 72 yr. old male presented to the Emergency Department with a broad complex tachycardia. Which of the following features is more suggestive that this has resulted because of a supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) rather than a ventricular tachycardia (VT)?
Your Answer: QRS complex greater than 160 ms on ECG
Correct Answer: Absence of QRS concordance in chest leads on ECG
Explanation:To differentiate ventricular tachycardia (VT) from supraventricular tachycardia (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
-
-
Question 2
Correct
-
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.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiology
-
-
Question 3
Correct
-
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.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiology
-
-
Question 4
Correct
-
A 60 yr. old male patient with NSTEMI was started on low dose aspirin as secondary prevention. Which of the following, describe the action of aspirin as an antiplatelet agent?
Your Answer: Inhibits the production of thromboxane A2
Explanation:The antithrombotic action of aspirin is due to inhibition of platelet function by acetylation of the platelet cyclooxygenase (COX) at the functionally important amino acid serine529. This prevents the access of the substrate (arachidonic aid) to the catalytic site of the enzyme at tyrosine385 and results in an irreversible inhibition of platelet-dependent thromboxane formation.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiology
-
-
Question 5
Correct
-
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
-
-
Question 6
Correct
-
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: 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.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiology
-
-
Question 7
Incorrect
-
A 65 yr. old male patient admitted with myocardial infarction received thrombolysis, which lead to full resolution of the ST elevations on his ECG. He was on aspirin, clopidogrel, atorvastatin and enalapril. The next day he complained of pain in his legs and there was a diffuse petechial rash over his lower legs, especially in the feet. All his peripheral pulses were palpable. His FBC revealed neutrophilia with eosinophilia. His IgE antibodies were 3 kU/L (<2). What is the most likely reason for this presentation?
Your Answer: Aspirin allergy
Correct Answer: Cholesterol emboli
Explanation:He has a consequence of atherosclerotic disease (MI). The most probable diagnosis is cutaneous cholesterol emboli as it is more common after anticoagulation or thrombolytics, the skin involvement, eosinophilia and raised IgE. It is more common above 60 yrs. of age.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiology
-
-
Question 8
Correct
-
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.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiology
-
-
Question 9
Correct
-
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.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiology
-
-
Question 10
Correct
-
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: 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.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiology
-
-
Question 11
Incorrect
-
A 50 yr. old male patient with schizophrenia complained of chest pain and palpitations. His ECG revealed torsades de pointes ventricular tachycardia. He was on thioridazine for schizophrenia. What is the most appropriate management for his presentation?
Your Answer: Synchronised DC cardioversion
Correct Answer: IV magnesium
Explanation:Thioridazine has a quinidine-like action on the heart and is known to cause cardiac arrhythmias including prolonged PR and QT intervals and widening of QRS complexes. Intravenous magnesium sulphate is regarded as the treatment of choice for this arrhythmia.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiology
-
-
Question 12
Correct
-
A 85 yr. old previously well man was found to have a BP of 155/90 mmHg. His average reading from the monitoring of his ambulatory BP was 147/92 mmHg. His calculated 10 year cardiovascular risk was 15%. Which of the following is the most appropriate management of this patient?
Your Answer: Give lifestyle advice and repeat blood pressure in 6 months
Explanation:According to different guidelines for patients above 80 years, the targeted systolic blood pressure varies from 140-150 mmHg. As this patient’s BP is within that range, he can be kept under observation.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiology
-
-
Question 13
Correct
-
A 48 yr. old male presented with exertional angina for 2 weeks. He has no significant past medical history or cardiac risk factors except a total cholesterol of 5.8 mmol/L. He has been already started on aspirin. Which of the following is the most suitable drug combination for him?
Your Answer: B-blocker and statin
Explanation:Beta blockers and calcium channel blockers have proven prognostic benefits. Nitrates don’t have any proven prognostic benefits. A statin is indicated for a patient with angina and cholesterol level of 5.5 to 8.5 to prevent risk of myocardial infarction. So the preferred combination from the given answers is beta blocker + statin.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiology
-
-
Question 14
Correct
-
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
-
-
Question 15
Incorrect
-
A 65 yr. old woman was referred due to a pulse rate of 40 bpm. Which of the following answers is associated with the least risk of asystole?
Your Answer: Mobitz type II AV block
Correct Answer: Complete heart block with a narrow complex QRS
Explanation:From the given answers, complete heart block with a narrow complex QRS complex is associated with the least risk of asystole. Transvenous pacing is indicated by the other given responses.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiology
-
-
Question 16
Correct
-
Which of the following is not an indication for an implantable cardiac defibrillator?
Your Answer: Wolff-Parkinson White syndrome
Explanation:Class I indications (i.e., the benefit greatly outweighs the risk, and the treatment should be administered): -Structural heart disease, sustained VT
-Syncope of undetermined origin, inducible VT or VF at electrophysiologic study (EPS)
-Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤35% due to prior MI, at least 40 days post-MI, NYHA class II or III
-LVEF ≤35%, NYHA class II or III
-LVEF ≤30% due to prior MI, at least 40 days post-MI
-LVEF ≤40% due to prior MI, inducible VT or VF at EPSClass IIa indications (i.e., the benefit outweighs the risk and it is reasonable to administer the treatment):
-Unexplained syncope, significant LV dysfunction, nonischaemic cardiomyopathy
-Sustained VT, normal or near-normal ventricular function
-Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy with 1 or more major risk factors
-Arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia/cardiomyopathy (ARVD/C) with 1 or more risk factors for sudden cardiac death (SCD)
-Long QT syndrome, syncope or VT while receiving beta-blockers
-Nonhospitalized patients awaiting heart transplant
-Brugada syndrome, syncope or VT
-Catecholaminergic polymorphic VT, syncope or VT while receiving beta-blockers
-Cardiac sarcoidosis, giant cell myocarditis, or Chagas disease -
This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiology
-
-
Question 17
Correct
-
A 26 yr. old male was being investigated further following several hypertensive episodes. There was a marked difference in his systolic blood pressures between the right brachial and the right femoral arteries. Which of the following is most probable diagnosis?
Your Answer: Coarctation of the aorta
Explanation:From the given physical findings (the difference in BP between the radial and femoral arteries), the most probable diagnosis is coarctation of the aorta.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiology
-
-
Question 18
Correct
-
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.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiology
-
-
Question 19
Correct
-
A 13 yr. old boy presented with difficulty in breathing on exertion. According to his mother who was also present, his exercise tolerance has been gradually worsening for the past weeks. It has reached the point where he is unable to participate in his weekly soccer match. Cardiac catherization was performed and the results are given below: (Anatomical site vs Oxygen saturation (%)vs Pressure (mmHg)) Superior vena cava: 73 ,–. Right atrium: 71, 6. Right ventricle: 72, –. Pulmonary artery: 86, 53/13. PCWP: –, 15. Left ventricle: 97, 111/10. Aorta: 96, 128/61. Which of the following is the diagnosis?
Your Answer: Patent ductus arteriosus
Explanation:The oxygen saturation in the pulmonary artery is higher than that of the right ventricle. The pressure of the pulmonary artery and of the PCWP are also high. So patent ductus arteriosus is highly suggestive.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiology
-
-
Question 20
Incorrect
-
A 65 yr. old man with hypertension presented with sudden onset right arm weakness which resolved after 10 hrs. He has had 2 similar episodes during the last 6 weeks. On examination his blood pressure was 140/80 mmHg and pulse rate was 88 bpm. His ECG showed atrial fibrillation and the CT scan of his brain was normal. Which of the following is the most appropriate management for this patient?
Your Answer: Amiodarone
Correct Answer: Warfarin
Explanation:CHAâ‚‚DSâ‚‚-VASc score is used for atrial fibrillation stroke risk calculation.
Congestive heart failure – 1 point
Hypertension – 1 point
Age ≥75 years – 2 points
Diabetes mellitus – 1 point
Stroke/Transient Ischemic Attack/Thromboembolic event – 2 points
Vascular disease (prior MI, PAD, or aortic plaque) – 1 point
Age 65 to 74 years – 1 point
Sex category (i.e., female sex) – 1 point
Score of 2 or more is considered as high risk and anticoagulation is indicated. This patient’s score is 4, so he needs life-long warfarin to prevent a stroke. -
This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiology
-
-
Question 21
Incorrect
-
A 32 yr. old previously well primigravida in her 16th week of pregnancy came to the antenatal clinic for a routine review. Her blood pressure was 152/90 mmHg. On her last clinic visit 4 weeks ago her blood pressure was 148/86 mmHg. She was put on ambulatory blood pressure monitoring and her mean blood pressure was 148/88 mmHg. Her urine examination was negative for protein. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?
Your Answer: Pregnancy-induced hypertension
Correct Answer: Pre-existing hypertension
Explanation:Pre-eclampsia is excluded from negative proteinuria. White coat hypertension is excluded with ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. Pregnancy induced hypertension develops after 20 weeks of gestation. So the most likely answer is pre-existing hypertension. She should be investigated for a secondary cause for hypertension.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiology
-
-
Question 22
Incorrect
-
A 55 yr. old man presented with retrosternal chest pain associated with excessive sweating and vomiting. On examination his BP was 100/60 mmHg and pulse rate was 72 bpm. Bibasal crepitations were auscultated. His ECG showed ST elevation in V1 to V4 and ST depression in leads II, III and aVF. Which of the following would be the finding during angioplasty?
Your Answer: Complete occlusion of the right coronary artery
Correct Answer: Complete occlusion of the left anterior descending artery
Explanation:The ECG findings are suggestive of anterior myocardial infarction and the most likely artery affected is the left anterior descending artery. Occlusion of the right coronary artery will be shown by ST elevation in lead II, III, aVF and occlusion of the circumflex artery will show changes in leads I, aVL, V5 and V6. To have ST elevation, there should be complete occlusion of the artery.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiology
-
-
Question 23
Correct
-
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.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiology
-
-
Question 24
Incorrect
-
A 60 yr. old patient with hypertension attended his regular clinic. His compliance was poor. His blood pressure was 180/100 mmHg. His pulse rate was 85 bpm which was irregularly irregular. On examination there was bibasal crepitation. No murmurs were heard. What is the most likely cause for these findings?
Your Answer: Cor pulmonale
Correct Answer: Left ventricular hypertrophy
Explanation:Left ventricular hypertrophy due to long standing hypertension is the most probable cause. The irregularly irregular pulse was suggestive of atrial fibrillation, which is due to diastolic dysfunction. Poor ventricular filling causes pulmonary congestion which manifests as bibasal crepitations.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiology
-
-
Question 25
Correct
-
A 60 yr. old previously well male patient was admitted with acute severe central chest pain associated with excessive sweating and nausea for the past 45 minutes. On examination he was found to have xanthelasma. His blood pressure was 170/100 mmHg and pulse rate was 104 bpm. His ECG showed ST elevation more than 2mm in leads II, III and aVF. His troponin T was 120 ng/ml. His FBC and renal functions were normal. He was given aspirin, clopidogrel, morphine and IV 5mg of atenolol. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step?
Your Answer: Immediate referral to cardiologist for primary angioplasty
Explanation:The diagnosis is acute inferior ST elevation myocardial infarction so the most appropriate management is primary angioplasty.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiology
-
-
Question 26
Incorrect
-
A 60 yr. old previously well male was admitted with a suspected pulmonary embolism. On examination his BP was 130/80 mmHg and pulse rate was 88 bpm. His CXR was normal. He was treated with low molecular weight heparin. Which of the following is the most appropriate initial lung investigation for this patient?
Your Answer: Ventilation-perfusion scan
Correct Answer: Computed tomographic pulmonary angiography
Explanation:Computed tomographic pulmonary angiography (CTPA) is the standard investigative tool, used for diagnosing a pulmonary embolism. Pulmonary angiography is indicated if CTPA is not available.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiology
-
-
Question 27
Correct
-
A 72 yr. old female patient with a history of atrial fibrillation was admitted with recurrent episodes of syncopal attacks. Her ECG showed torsade de pointes. What is the drug which does not cause the above presentation?
Your Answer: Omeprazole
Explanation:Drugs causing torsades de pointes are Amiodarone, Chlorpromazine, Clarithromycin, Disopyramide, Dofetilide, Erythromycin, Haloperidol, Methadone, Procainamide, Quinidine, Sotalol, Levofloxacin, Moxifloxacin, Nilotinib, Ondansetron, Ranolazine, Sunitinib, Ziprasidone, Amitriptyline, Ciprofloxacin, Imipramine, Chlorthalidone, Dasatinib, Hydrochlorothiazide, Furosemide.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiology
-
-
Question 28
Correct
-
A 65 yr. old male with a history of smoking and alcohol was admitted with an ST elevation myocardial infarction. He was obese and lives a sedentary lifestyle. What is the non-pharmacological intervention which will be most helpful to reduce future ischaemic events?
Your Answer: Stopping smoking
Explanation:Stopping smoking is the single most effective non-pharmacological intervention which will reduce future ischaemic events. But the rest of the responses are also important interventions with regards to reducing future ischaemic events.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiology
-
-
Question 29
Correct
-
A 42 yr. old previously well woman presented with acute severe central chest pain for the past 2 hours. She has a family history of premature coronary artery disease. Her husband passed away recently due to prostate cancer. On examination her blood pressure was 130/80 mmHg and pulse rate was 80 bpm. Her ECG showed ST segment elevation and her troponin was slightly elevated. Emergency angiogram revealed slight wall irregularities with no luminal obstruction. Cardiovascular MR showed an apical ballooning of the myocardium resembling an octopus pot. Which of the following is the most likely cause for the ST segment elevation?
Your Answer: Takotsubo cardiomyopathy
Explanation:Causes for ST segment elevation other than myocardial infarction
Natural variants
-Early repolarization
-Left ventricular hypertrophy and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
-Left bundle branch block
Artefacts
-Leads mispositioning
-Electrical cardioversion
Cardiovascular diseases
-Pericarditis/ Myocarditis
-Aortic dissection
-Prinzmetal’s angina
-Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy
-Brugada Syndrome and arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy/dysplasia
Pulmonary diseases
-Pulmonary thromboembolism
-Pneumothorax
-Atelectasis and pulmonary metastases
Gastrointestinal diseases
-Acute pancreatitis
-Acute cholecystitis
Other conditions
-Hyperkalaemia
-Drug induced ST segment elevation (e.g. – clozapine)
-Haemorrhagic cerebrovascular diseaseCoronary artery disease and myocardial infarction can be excluded with a negative angiogram and a slightly elevated troponin. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy can be excluded with cardiovascular MR findings. Left ventricular aneurysm usually occurs following a myocardial infarction, but there is no positive history for that. The characteristic findings on cardiovascular MR confirms the diagnosis of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiology
-
-
Question 30
Correct
-
Which of the following features of the jugular venous waveform indicates the closure of the tricuspid valve?
Your 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.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiology
-
SESSION STATS - PERFORMANCE PER SPECIALTY
