Cardiology Practice Questions

Q: A 16-year-old male presents for a physical examination before joining a football team. His elder brother died suddenly during football practice. The patient has a loud systolic murmur on chest auscultation. Which of the following findings would NOT be consistent with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy?

Murmur radiating to the neck. **Explanation:** Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a common cause of sudden cardiac death in young athletes. The murmur in HCM is caused by dynamic Left Ventricular Outflow Tract (LVOT) obstruction. **Why Option B is the Correct Answer:** Radiation of a systolic murmur to the neck (carotids) is a classic feature of **Valvular Aortic Stenosis (AS)**. In HCM, the obstruction occurs below the valve (sub-valvular); therefore, the murmur typically radiates to the lower left sternal border or the apex, but **not** to the carotids. **Analysis of Incorrect Options:** * **Option A (Crescendo-decrescendo systolic murmur):** This is the characteristic sound of HCM. It is caused by the systolic anterior motion (SAM) of the mitral valve hitting the hypertrophied septum, creating turbulence. * **Option C (Brisk carotid upstroke):** In HCM, the initial ejection of blood is rapid, leading to a brisk or "jerky" pulse (often called a *pulsus bisferiens*). This contrasts with the *pulsus parvus et tardus* (weak and late) seen in valvular AS. * **Option D (Increase with Valsalva/Standing):** These maneuvers decrease venous return (preload). In HCM, a smaller ventricular volume allows the septum and mitral valve to come closer together, worsening the obstruction and **increasing** the murmur intensity. **NEET-PG High-Yield Pearls:** * **Dynamic Murmur:** HCM and MVP are the only two murmurs that **increase** with Valsalva and Standing (decreased preload). * **Handgrip/Squatting:** These increase afterload/preload, which increases LV volume and **decreases** the HCM murmur. * **Inheritance:** Autosomal Dominant, most commonly involving mutations in the **Beta-myosin heavy chain** or Myosin-binding protein C. * **Drug of Choice:** Beta-blockers (to increase diastolic filling time). Avoid Digoxin and Diuretics.

Q: Wide split S2 occurs in which of the following conditions?

Atrial septal defect (ASD). ### Explanation The second heart sound (S2) is produced by the closure of the semilunar valves (Aortic - A2 and Pulmonary - P2). A **wide split S2** occurs when there is a delay in the closure of the pulmonary valve (P2) or early closure of the aortic valve (A2). **Why ASD is the correct answer:** In **Atrial Septal Defect (ASD)**, there is a left-to-right shunt, which increases the blood volume in the right atrium and right ventricle. This chronic volume overload leads to prolonged ejection time from the right ventricle, delaying the closure of the pulmonary valve (P2). Notably, ASD is characterized by a **"Wide and Fixed" split S2**, because the respiratory variations in venous return are balanced by reciprocal changes in the shunt volume, keeping the split interval constant. **Analysis of Incorrect Options:** * **Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD):** While a large VSD can cause a wide split S2 due to increased RV stroke volume, it is typically **variable** (changes with respiration), unlike the classic fixed split of ASD. * **Mitral Stenosis:** This condition usually presents with a loud S1 and an **Opening Snap**. It does not typically cause a wide split S2; in fact, if pulmonary hypertension develops, S2 may become narrowly split or single but loud (P2). * **Coarctation of the Aorta:** This is a left-sided obstructive lesion. It does not delay P2 and therefore does not cause a wide split S2. **High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Fixed Wide Split S2:** Pathognomonic for ASD. * **Reverse (Paradoxical) Split S2:** Seen in conditions that delay A2 (e.g., Left Bundle Branch Block, Aortic Stenosis). The split narrows during inspiration. * **Narrow Split S2:** Seen in Pulmonary Hypertension (due to early P2 closure from high back pressure). * **Soft/Absent P2:** Seen in Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) or severe Pulmonary Stenosis.

Q: What degree of mitral regurgitation (MR) is indicated by an EROA of 20-34 cm²?

Severe MR. **Explanation:** The assessment of Mitral Regurgitation (MR) severity is a high-yield topic in Cardiology. The **Effective Regurgitant Orifice Area (EROA)** is a quantitative measure derived from echocardiography (PISA method) that reflects the size of the hole through which blood leaks back into the atrium. **1. Why "Severe MR" is correct:** According to the American College of Cardiology (ACC) and American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines, the threshold for **Severe Organic (Primary) MR** is an **EROA ≥ 0.40 cm²**. However, for **Secondary (Functional) MR**, the threshold for severity is lower, typically defined as **EROA ≥ 0.20 cm²**. Since the range provided (20-34 mm², which converts to 0.20-0.34 cm²) falls within the diagnostic criteria for severe functional MR, "Severe MR" is the most appropriate clinical classification. **2. Why other options are incorrect:** * **Mild MR:** Defined by an EROA < 0.20 cm². * **Moderate MR:** Typically falls between 0.20 and 0.39 cm² for primary MR. In the context of functional MR, values above 0.20 cm² are already associated with a poor prognosis and are treated as severe. * **Profound MR:** This is not a standard clinical grading term used in echocardiographic guidelines. **Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Regurgitant Volume (RV):** Severe MR is also defined by an RV ≥ 60 mL (Primary) or ≥ 30 mL (Secondary). * **Holosystolic Murmur:** Severe MR typically presents with a high-pitched holosystolic murmur at the apex radiating to the axilla. * **S3 Gallop:** The presence of an S3 often indicates severe MR due to volume overload of the left ventricle. * **Surgical Indication:** Asymptomatic patients with severe primary MR require surgery if the Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction (LVEF) is ≤ 60% or LV End-Systolic Dimension (LVESD) is ≥ 40 mm.

Q: Troponin is a marker for which of the following conditions?

Myocardial infarction. **Explanation:** **Troponin** (specifically Cardiac Troponin I and T) is the gold standard biochemical marker for diagnosing **Myocardial Infarction (MI)** [2]. These are regulatory proteins found in the cardiac muscle sarcomere. When myocardial cells undergo necrosis due to ischemia, the cell membrane integrity is lost, causing troponins to leak into the bloodstream [1]. Their high sensitivity and cardio-specificity make them superior to older markers like CK-MB. **Analysis of Options:** * **Myocardial Infarction (Correct):** Troponins rise within 3–6 hours of injury, peak at 12–24 hours, and can remain elevated for up to 7–14 days, making them useful for both acute and late diagnosis [2]. * **Complete Heart Block:** This is an electrical conduction defect (arrhythmia). While it may coexist with an MI, the block itself does not cause the release of cardiac enzymes unless there is associated muscle necrosis. * **Pericardial Effusion:** This involves fluid accumulation in the pericardial sac. It is an anatomical/inflammatory issue, not a primary myocyte necrotic process. * **Myoglobinuria:** This refers to myoglobin in the urine, typically seen in **Rhabdomyolysis** (skeletal muscle breakdown). While myoglobin is also found in the heart, it is non-specific and not synonymous with Troponin. **High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Troponin I vs. T:** Troponin I is considered more cardio-specific than Troponin T (which can sometimes rise in renal failure or skeletal muscle disease). * **Earliest Marker:** Myoglobin is the earliest marker to rise (1–2 hours), but it lacks specificity. * **Re-infarction:** **CK-MB** is the preferred marker to diagnose a re-infarction within the first week because it returns to baseline quickly (48–72 hours), whereas Troponin remains elevated for much longer [2]. * **Prognosis:** The magnitude of Troponin elevation correlates with the size of the infarct and the risk of mortality.

Q: Which of the following is NOT a feature of rheumatic heart disease?

Janeway's lesion. ### Explanation The correct answer is **Janeway’s lesion**. This question tests your ability to differentiate between the clinical features of **Acute Rheumatic Fever (ARF)** and **Infective Endocarditis (IE)**. #### 1. Why Janeway’s lesion is the correct answer: Janeway’s lesions are small, painless, erythematous macules typically found on the palms and soles. They are a classic peripheral manifestation of **Infective Endocarditis**, caused by septic microemboli [2]. They are **not** part of the Jones criteria used to diagnose Rheumatic Heart Disease. #### 2. Why the other options are incorrect: The diagnosis of ARF is based on the **Revised Jones Criteria**. Options A, B, and D are all **Major Criteria** [1]: * **Chorea (Sydenham’s Chorea):** A delayed neurological manifestation characterized by involuntary, purposeless movements and emotional lability [1]. * **Arthritis:** Typically presents as a "migratory polyarthritis" involving large joints (knees, ankles, elbows). It is the most common major manifestation [3]. * **Carditis:** The most serious manifestation, which can involve the endocardium, myocardium, and pericardium (pancarditis), leading to valvular damage (most commonly the Mitral Valve) [1]. #### 3. Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG: * **Jones Criteria Mnemonic (Major):** **JO**ints (Arthritis), **N**odules (Subcutaneous), **E** (Erythema Marginatum), **S**ydenham’s Chorea, and **Heart** (Carditis). * **Janeway vs. Osler:** Remember that **J**aneway lesions are **Non-tender** (painless), while **O**sler nodes are **"Ouch"** (painful/tender). * **Most common valve involved in RHD:** Mitral Valve > Aortic Valve [2]. * **Latent Period:** ARF occurs roughly 2–3 weeks after a Group A Streptococcal (GAS) pharyngitis [1].

Q: Left ventricular hypertrophy is NOT a feature of which of the following conditions?

Isolated mitral stenosis. **Explanation:** The core concept behind this question is understanding which valvular or structural defects impose a pressure or volume load on the **Left Ventricle (LV)**. **Why Isolated Mitral Stenosis (MS) is the correct answer:** In isolated MS, there is an obstruction to blood flow from the Left Atrium (LA) to the LV. This results in a **"protected" left ventricle** [1]. Because the LV receives less blood, it remains normal in size or may even undergo disuse atrophy. The primary burden in MS falls on the Left Atrium (leading to LA enlargement) and the pulmonary vasculature (leading to Right Ventricular Hypertrophy due to pulmonary hypertension), but **never LVH** [1]. **Why the other options are incorrect:** * **Mitral Regurgitation (MR):** Causes volume overload of the LV. The blood leaks back into the LA and then returns to the LV during diastole, leading to **LV dilatation and eccentric hypertrophy**. * **Isolated Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD):** This is a left-to-right shunt. The extra blood volume returns from the lungs to the LA and then to the LV, causing **LV volume overload** and subsequent hypertrophy. * **Aortic Stenosis (AS):** This creates a massive pressure gradient that the LV must overcome to eject blood. This leads to significant **concentric LV hypertrophy**. **NEET-PG High-Yield Pearls:** 1. **MS + LVH:** If a patient with MS shows signs of LVH on ECG, always suspect a co-existing condition like Aortic Stenosis, Aortic Regurgitation, or systemic hypertension. 2. **Apex Beat:** In MS, the apex beat is typically **tapping** in nature (palpable S1), whereas in LVH (like AS), it is **heaving/sustained** [1]. 3. **ECG in MS:** Look for "P-mitrale" (broad, notched P waves) indicating LA enlargement, and Right Axis Deviation.

Q: A 54-year-old man presents to the emergency room four hours after the onset of severe chest pain radiating to the left arm. Which of the following serum markers would best aid in the evaluation of this individual's chest pain?

Troponin. **Explanation:** The clinical presentation of severe chest pain radiating to the left arm in a 54-year-old male is highly suggestive of **Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI)** [2], [3]. **Why Troponin is the correct answer:** Cardiac Troponins (I and T) are the **gold standard** and most sensitive/specific biomarkers for myocardial injury [4]. In the setting of AMI, Troponins begin to rise within **3–6 hours** of symptom onset, making them highly effective for evaluation at the 4-hour mark. Their high clinical utility stems from their superior cardiac specificity compared to older markers and their ability to remain elevated for 7–14 days. **Analysis of Incorrect Options:** * **CK-MB (Option B):** While CK-MB rises within 4–8 hours, it is less specific than Troponin as it can be elevated in skeletal muscle injury. Its primary utility today is detecting **re-infarction**, as it returns to baseline within 48–72 hours. * **AST (Option A):** This was the first biomarker used for MI (historically), but it lacks specificity as it is found in the liver and red blood cells [1]. It is no longer used in modern cardiac protocols [1]. * **LDH1 (Option C):** LDH levels rise late (peak at 3–4 days) and stay elevated for up to 2 weeks. It is obsolete for acute diagnosis in the ER setting [1]. **High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Earliest Marker:** Myoglobin is the earliest to rise (1–3 hours) but lacks specificity. * **Most Specific Marker:** Troponin I. * **Marker for Re-infarction:** CK-MB (due to its short half-life). * **Rule of Thumb:** If a patient presents within the "golden hour," markers may be negative; serial sampling (at 0 and 3 hours) is essential.

Question 1

Which of the following is not an absolute contraindication for thrombolytic therapy in acute ST segment elevation myocardial infarction?

Accepted Answer

Pregnancy

Answer

Significant closed head injury

Answer

Symptoms suggestive of aortic dissection

Answer

Presence of metastatic intracranial malignancy

Question 2

A 16-year-old male presents for a physical examination before joining a football team. His elder brother died suddenly during football practice. The patient has a loud systolic murmur on chest auscultation. Which of the following findings would NOT be consistent with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy?

Accepted Answer

Murmur radiating to the neck

Answer

A crescendo-decrescendo systolic murmur

Answer

Brisk carotid upstroke

Answer

Increase in murmur intensity during Valsalva maneuver or standing

Question 3

A 47-year-old woman presents with a one-week history of progressive shortness of breath, increasing pedal edema, weight loss, and low-grade fever. She has a 40-pack-year smoking history. Physical examination reveals a pulse of 138 bpm, respirations of 34/min, blood pressure of 100/88 mm Hg with a pulsus paradoxus of 22 mm. Pertinent findings include increased jugular venous distension, normal sinus rhythm with distant heart sounds, and an apex beat that is difficult to palpate. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Cardiac tamponade

Answer

Cardiomyopathy

Answer

Pericardial effusion without tamponade

Answer

Cor pulmonale

Question 4

A 25-year-old man with congenital cyanotic heart disease presents to the emergency department with a history of headache. On examination, there is a systolic murmur best heard on the left side of the sternum in the fourth intercostal space. The second heart sound is not split. Temperature is 37.5°C. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Cerebral abscess

Answer

Cerebral vein thrombosis

Answer

Pyogenic septicemia

Answer

Encephalitis

Question 5

Wide split S2 occurs in which of the following conditions?

Accepted Answer

Atrial septal defect (ASD)

Answer

Ventricular septal defect (VSD)

Answer

Mitral stenosis

Answer

Coarctation of the aorta

Question 6

What degree of mitral regurgitation (MR) is indicated by an EROA of 20-34 cm²?

Accepted Answer

Severe MR

Answer

Profound MR

Answer

Moderate MR

Answer

Mild MR

Question 7

Troponin is a marker for which of the following conditions?

Accepted Answer

Myocardial infarction

Answer

Complete heart block

Answer

Pericardial effusion

Answer

Myoglobinuria

Question 8

Which of the following is NOT a feature of rheumatic heart disease?

Accepted Answer

Janeway's lesion

Answer

Chorea

Answer

Arthritis

Answer

Carditis

Question 9

Left ventricular hypertrophy is NOT a feature of which of the following conditions?

Accepted Answer

Isolated mitral stenosis

Answer

Mitral regurgitation

Answer

Isolated ventricular septal defect

Answer

Aortic stenosis

Question 10

A 54-year-old man presents to the emergency room four hours after the onset of severe chest pain radiating to the left arm. Which of the following serum markers would best aid in the evaluation of this individual's chest pain?

Accepted Answer

Troponin

Answer

Aspartate aminotransferase (AST)

Answer

Creatine kinase-MB isoenzyme (CK-MB)

Answer

Lactate dehydrogenase-1 isozyme (LDH1)

Cardiology — MCQs

Cardiology — MCQs

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