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Question 1
Incorrect
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A 65 yr. old male patient presented with acute severe central chest pain for one hour. His ECG confirmed the diagnosis of acute ST elevation myocardial infarction and he was treated with thrombolysis. Two days later he developed sudden onset breathlessness and became unwell. On examination he had bibasal crepitation and a systolic murmur at the apex which radiated to the axilla. Which of the following is the most likely cause for this presentation?
Your Answer: Acute left ventricular failure
Correct Answer: Ruptured papillary muscle
Explanation:The most likely cause for acute breathlessness is due to papillary muscle rupture which causes mitral regurgitation.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiology
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Question 2
Incorrect
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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: iv Reteplase
Correct 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 3
Incorrect
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A 80 yr. old male was found on the floor. His blood pressure was 100/60 mmHg. His core temperature was 31ºC. His FBC and serum electrolytes were within normal limits. Which of the following would be found in his ECG?
Your Answer: Short PR interval
Correct Answer: Long QT interval
Explanation:Hypothermia is defined as a core body temperature of < 35 °C.
Hypothermia may produce the following ECG changes:
-Bradyarrhythmia
-Osborne Waves (= J waves)
-Prolonged PR, QRS and QT intervals
-Shivering artefact
-Ventricular ectopics
-Cardiac arrest due to VT, VF or asystole -
This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiology
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Question 4
Incorrect
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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: Regular exercise
Correct 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.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiology
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Question 5
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 6
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 7
Incorrect
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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: Raised jugular venous pressure
Correct 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 8
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 9
Incorrect
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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: Allergic reaction to thrombolysis
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.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiology
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Question 10
Incorrect
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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:
Correct 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.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiology
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Question 11
Incorrect
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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:
Correct 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.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiology
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Question 12
Incorrect
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A 32 yr. old primigravida in her 37th week of pregnancy was admitted for the management of pre-eclampsia. Her blood pressure was 180/110 mmHg and urine protein was +++. Magnesium sulphate was started. Which of the following are important parameters that should be monitored during the administration of magnesium sulphate?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Reflexes + respiratory rate
Explanation:The clinical effect and toxicity of MgSO4 can be linked to its concentration in plasma. A concentration of 1.8 to 3.0 mmol/L has been suggested for treatment of eclamptic convulsions. Maternal toxicity is rare when MgSO4 is carefully administered and monitored. The first warning of impending toxicity in the mother is loss of the patellar reflex at plasma concentrations between 3.5 and 5 mmol/L. Respiratory paralysis occurs at 5 to 6.5 mmol/L. Cardiac conduction is altered at greater than 7.5 mmol/L, and cardiac arrest can be expected when concentrations of magnesium exceed 12.5 mmol/L. Careful attention to the monitoring guidelines can prevent toxicity. Deep tendon reflexes, respiratory rate, urine output and serum concentrations are the most commonly monitored parameters.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiology
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Question 13
Incorrect
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Which of the following describes the reason for the decline of the use of betablockers as antihypertensives in last few years?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Less likely to prevent stroke + potential impairment of glucose tolerance
Explanation:According to the latest research, beta blockers are associated with higher incidence of fatal and non-fatal strokes, all cardiovascular events, and cardiovascular mortality. New-onset diabetes also associates with beta blockers.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiology
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Question 14
Incorrect
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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:
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.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiology
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Question 15
Incorrect
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A 65 yr. old previously well man was referred due to an abnormal heart sound which was detected during a medical check up. On examination he looked well. His blood pressure was 120/70 mmHg and pulse rate was 68 bpm which was regular. His jugular venous pressure was not elevated and he didn't have ankle oedema. He had an early diastolic murmur, best heard at the left sternal edge, which was more clear in expiration when the patient leant forward. His lungs were clear. His FBC, Urea and electrolytes, LFTs and lipid profile were normal. His ECG showed sinus rhythm. His chest X-ray was normal. Echocardiography showed mild to moderate aortic regurgitation with normal left ventricular size and normal function. Which of the following is the most appropriate way of managing this patient?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Start him on an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor
Explanation:Although this patient’s left ventricular function is normal at the time of examination, there is chance of deterioration of it due to aortic regurgitation. It is found that ACE inhibitors slow the development of left ventricular dysfunction. So this patient should be started on an ACE inhibitor.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiology
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Question 16
Incorrect
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A 40 yr. old female presented with palmar xanthomas and tuberoeruptive xanthomas on her elbows and knees. Which of the following is the most probable diagnosis?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Type III hyperlipoproteinaemia
Explanation:Palmar xanthomas and tuberoeruptive xanthomas are found in type III hyperlipoproteinemia (dysbetalipoproteinemia,broad-beta disease, remnant removal disease)
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiology
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Question 17
Incorrect
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From the following responses, what is the commonest cardiovascular abnormality associated with Marfan's syndrome of an adult?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Aortic root dilatation
Explanation:The main cardiovascular manifestations associated with Marfan’s syndrome are aortic dilatation and mitral valve prolapse.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiology
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Question 18
Incorrect
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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:
Correct 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 19
Incorrect
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A 75 yr. old male with rheumatoid arthritis underwent a colectomy 2 days ago for colon cancer. He was put on a prophylactic dose of low molecular weight heparin post operatively as well as prednisolone. Now he complains of central chest pain and his ECG revealed an acute ST elevation myocardial infarction. He was given aspirin and oxygen as the initial treatment. Which of the following is the most appropriate management for this patient?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: IV diamorphine + arrange percutaneous coronary intervention
Explanation:There is a high risk of bleeding due to recent surgery and heparin. So thrombolysis is not an option. The most appropriate management is percutaneous coronary intervention.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiology
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Question 20
Incorrect
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Which one of the following responses is the least likely to be associated with primary pulmonary hypertension?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Recurrent pulmonary embolism
Explanation:Connective-tissue diseases, liver cirrhosis, exposure to anorexigens and likely other alpha-adrenergic stimulants [e.g., cocaine, amphetamines] and HIV infection are associated with primary pulmonary hypertension. Recurrent pulmonary emboli, chronic lung diseases, left heart diseases are causes for secondary pulmonary hypertension. Pulmonary vascular hypertension after use of fenfluramine is rarely reported.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiology
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Question 21
Incorrect
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Which of the following indicates the opening of tricuspid valve in jugular venous waveform?
Your Answer:
Correct 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 22
Incorrect
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A 50 yr. old smoker with a history of hypertension presented with acute severe chest pain and acute myocardial infarction was diagnosed. Which of the following is a contraindication for thrombolysis?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: History of likely ischaemic stroke within the past month
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 23
Incorrect
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Which of the following is not an indication for an implantable cardiac defibrillator?
Your Answer:
Correct 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
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Question 24
Incorrect
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A 42 yr. old male patient who was on enalapril for hypertension presented with generalized body weakness. Investigations revealed hyperkalaemia. Which of the following can be expected in his ECG?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Tall, tented T waves
Explanation:In hyperkalaemia the ECG will show tall, tented T waves as well as small P waves and widened QRS complexes.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiology
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Question 25
Incorrect
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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:
Correct 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 26
Incorrect
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A 9 year-old boy with central cyanosis underwent cardiac catheterization. His study results were given below:
- Right atrium 7 mmHg - Saturation 60 %
- Right ventricle 110/6 mmHg - Saturation 55 %
- Pulmonary artery 20/5 mmHg - Saturation 55 %
- Left atrium (mean) 9 mmHg - Saturation 98 %
- Left ventricle 110/80 mmHg - Saturation 87 %
- Aorta 110/80 mmHg - Saturation 76 %
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Tetralogy of Fallot
Explanation:Based on the provided cardiac catheterization results, the following abnormalities are present in this patient:
- Central Cyanosis: The presence of central cyanosis indicates decreased oxygenation of the blood. This is likely due to an intracardiac shunt, causing unoxygenated blood to mix with oxygenated blood.
- Right-to-Left Shunt: The saturation readings in the right atrium (60%), right ventricle (55%), and pulmonary artery (55%) are all lower than the expected systemic saturation of 98%. This suggests a right-to-left shunt, allowing deoxygenated blood from the right side of the heart to enter the systemic circulation without passing through the lungs.
- Pulmonary Hypertension: The pulmonary artery pressure of 20/5 mmHg is elevated compared to normal values, indicating pulmonary hypertension. This could be secondary to increased pulmonary blood flow or resistance, often seen in the presence of a right-to-left shunt.
- Left-to-Right Shunt: Although not explicitly stated in the results, the elevated left atrial pressure (9 mmHg) suggests increased left-sided filling pressures. This could be due to increased blood flow from a left-to-right shunt, which commonly occurs in congenital heart defects.
- Normal Left Ventricular Pressure: The left ventricular pressure (110/80 mmHg) falls within normal limits, indicating that the left ventricle is not significantly affected by the shunting.
Based on these findings, a likely diagnosis would be a congenital heart defect causing a right-to-left shunt, such as Tetralogy of Fallot or Eisenmenger syndrome, resulting in central cyanosis and pulmonary hypertension.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiology
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Question 27
Incorrect
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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:
Correct 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 28
Incorrect
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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:
Correct Answer: Warfarin
Explanation:CHA₂DS₂-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
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Question 29
Incorrect
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A 25 yr. old previously well female, in her 10th week of pregnancy presented with a left sided painful calf swelling. An ultrasound scan revealed deep venous thrombosis (DVT) of her left leg. Which of the following is the most appropriate management of this patient?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Initiate and then continue treatment with heparin until delivery
Explanation:Warfarin is contraindicated during pregnancy due to its teratogenic effects. She should be given heparin throughout her pregnancy. It can be converted to warfarin if necessary after the delivery.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiology
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Question 30
Incorrect
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Which of the following is the site where B-type natriuretic peptide is mainly secreted?
Your Answer:
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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SESSION STATS - PERFORMANCE PER SPECIALTY
