Cardiology Practice Questions

Q: The normal ankle brachial pressure index (ABPI) is 1.0. A value of 0.8 suggests

some degree of arterial obstruction. ***some degree of arterial obstruction*** - An **ABPI of 0.8** indicates a reduction in blood flow to the lower extremities compared to the upper limbs [1]. - This value is generally considered to signify **mild to moderate peripheral artery disease (PAD)**, suggesting the presence of arterial narrowing or obstruction [1]. *impending gangrene* - **Impending gangrene** or critical limb ischemia is typically associated with a much lower ABPI, usually **below 0.4** or even 0.3 [1]. - At an ABPI of 0.8, severe tissue damage and gangrene are not imminent, although careful monitoring is still warranted. *presence of collaterals* - While **collateral arteries** can develop in response to chronic arterial obstruction, an ABPI of 0.8 primarily reflects the overall net blood flow, which is still reduced despite collaterals [1]. - The presence of collaterals can actually help to maintain tissue viability and prevent more severe symptoms, but they don't normalize the ABPI in the presence of significant disease [1]. *good flow* - A value of **1.0 to 1.4** is generally considered a normal ABPI, indicating good arterial flow. - An ABPI of **0.8 is significantly below normal** and suggests impaired rather than good blood flow [1].

Q: A patient presents with claudication in both buttocks and has impotence. The clinical examination reveals bruit over lower abdomen. What is the clinical diagnosis?

Aortoiliac occlusion. Aortoiliac occlusion - The triad of **buttock claudication**, **impotence**, and **absent or diminished femoral pulses** (often associated with an abdominal bruit) is classic for **Leriche syndrome**, which is caused by aortoiliac occlusion [2], [3]. - This occlusion impairs blood flow to both lower extremities and the internal iliac arteries, affecting erectile function [1]. Bilateral iliofemoral occlusion - While this would cause bilateral lower limb symptoms, it typically would not explain the **impotence** as clearly as an aortoiliac occlusion which affects the internal iliac arteries that supply the penis [2], [3]. - An iliofemoral occlusion is distal to the aorta, and the symptom complex provided points to a more **proximal lesion**. Bilateral iliac artery occlusion - This would cause similar symptoms to aortoiliac occlusion including **buttock claudication** and **impotence** [2]. - However, the presence of a **bruit over the lower abdomen** often indicates a more proximal lesion involving the aorta, making aortoiliac occlusion a more comprehensive diagnosis for these findings. Bilateral femoropopliteal occlusion - This would primarily cause **calf and thigh claudication**, less commonly buttock claudication, as the occlusion is more distal [1]. - **Impotence** is not a typical symptom of isolated femoropopliteal occlusion, as the internal iliac arteries are usually unaffected.

Q: Patients with phlebographically confirmed deep vein thrombosis of the calf:

are at risk for significant pulmonary embolism. ***are at risk for significant pulmonary embolism*** - While calf DVT is often considered less severe than proximal DVT, it still carries a definite risk of extending proximally [1] and subsequently leading to **pulmonary embolism (PE)**, especially if untreated. - Approximately **10-20% of calf DVTs extend proximally**, increasing the risk of potentially fatal PE. *can expect asymptomatic recovery if treated promptly with anticoagulant* - Even with prompt anticoagulant treatment, a significant percentage of patients with DVT experience **post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS)**, characterized by pain, swelling, and skin changes. - While anticoagulants [2] prevent clot extension and PE, they do not guarantee an **asymptomatic recovery** or fully prevent long-term sequelae. *may be effectively treated with low-dose heparin* - **Low-dose heparin** is typically used for DVT prophylaxis, not for treating acute DVT. - Treatment of acute DVT, including calf DVT, requires **therapeutic anticoagulation** with unfractionated heparin, low molecular weight heparin, or oral anticoagulants [2] to prevent clot propagation and embolism. *may be effectively treated with pneumatic compression stockings* - **Pneumatic compression stockings** are primarily used for DVT prevention in high-risk patients, especially post-surgery. - They are not a primary treatment for an **established acute DVT**, where anticoagulation is the cornerstone of therapy to prevent complications.

Q: The "DASH diet" is a lifestyle modification for management of which of these conditions ?

Hypertension. ***Hypertension*** - The **DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet** was specifically developed and promoted to lower **blood pressure**. [1] - It emphasizes foods rich in **potassium, calcium, and magnesium**, and low in sodium, saturated fat, and cholesterol. [1] *Diabetes* - While a healthy diet is crucial for **diabetes management**, the DASH diet is primarily designed for blood pressure control, though it can benefit individuals with diabetes due to its overall healthy composition. - The primary dietary focus for diabetes is on **carbohydrate control** and glycemic index management. *Cancer* - While a healthy diet can reduce **cancer risk**, the DASH diet is not specifically tailored as a cancer management or prevention strategy. - Cancer prevention diets often highlight **antioxidants** and avoidance of processed foods, which overlap but are not identical to DASH principles. *Anemia* - **Anemia** is typically managed by addressing nutrient deficiencies, most commonly **iron**, or underlying medical conditions. - The DASH diet does not primarily focus on increasing **iron absorption** or other nutrients critical for anemia.

Q: DASH diet plan is advocated in the control of which one of the following diseases?

Hypertension. ***Hypertension*** - The **DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension)** diet is specifically designed to **lower blood pressure**, making it the primary dietary intervention for hypertension [1]. - It emphasizes foods rich in **potassium**, **calcium**, and **magnesium**, such as fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy, while limiting sodium, saturated fat, and cholesterol [1]. *Rheumatic heart disease* - **Rheumatic heart disease** is a consequence of untreated streptococcal infection and is not primarily managed through dietary interventions like the DASH diet. - Management focuses on **antibiotic treatment** and preventing recurrent infections, as well as addressing heart complications. *Cancer* - While a healthy diet contributes to overall cancer prevention and management, the **DASH diet** is not specifically tailored or broadly advocated as the primary dietary intervention for **cancer** control. - Dietary recommendations for cancer often vary based on the type of cancer and individual patient needs, sometimes focusing on specific antioxidants or anti-inflammatory foods. *Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease* - **Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)** management primarily involves smoking cessation, bronchodilators, steroids, and oxygen therapy, with nutrition playing a supportive, rather than primary, role. - Nutritional support for COPD patients often focuses on maintaining adequate weight and energy intake, rather than a specific diet like DASH, which is aimed at blood pressure regulation.

Q: Consider the following statements regarding claudication: 1. It is a marker for silent coronary disease 2. Structured exercise program ( 2 hours per week for 3 months) leads to improvement in symptoms 3. Diabetes mellitus increases the risk and severity of claudication 4. Beta blockers may exacerbate claudication Which of the above statements are correct?

1, 2, 3 and 4. ***1, 2, 3 and 4*** - All four statements are correct regarding **claudication**, a symptom of **peripheral arterial disease (PAD)**, where reduced blood flow to the limbs causes pain during exercise [1]. - **Claudication** is a significant marker for systemic **atherosclerosis** and **coronary artery disease**, increasing the risk of cardiovascular events, and **structured exercise programs** are a cornerstone of treatment [1]. *1, 3 and 4 only* - This option is incorrect because it omits statement 2. **Structured exercise programs** are unequivocally beneficial in improving claudication symptoms and functional capacity. - Omitting the beneficial effect of exercise contradicts current clinical guidelines for managing **PAD**. *1 and 2 only* - This option is incorrect as it fails to include statements 3 and 4. **Diabetes mellitus** is a major risk factor that significantly worsens PAD and claudication, while **beta-blockers** can indeed exacerbate symptoms in some patients due to their vasoconstrictive effects. - Ignoring the impact of **diabetes** and the potential adverse effects of **beta-blockers** provides an incomplete understanding of claudication management. *2, 3 and 4 only* - This option is incorrect because it excludes statement 1. **Claudication** is a strong indicator of widespread **atherosclerosis** and thus a marker for **silent coronary disease**, warranting investigation for broader cardiovascular risk [1]. - Failing to recognize claudication as a marker for **coronary disease** overlooks a critical aspect of its clinical significance and patient management.

Q: The PR interval was measured at 0.21 seconds on a routine ECG of a patient. What is the correct interpretation?

First degree heart block. ***First degree heart block*** - A **PR interval** greater than **0.20 seconds** (or 200 milliseconds) is the defining characteristic of **first-degree atrioventricular (AV) block** [1]. - In this condition, every atrial impulse is conducted to the ventricles, but the conduction is **delayed** [1]. *Second degree heart block* - This involves some, but not all, **P waves** being followed by a **QRS complex**, indicating **intermittent conduction failure** at the AV node [1]. - It presents as either **Mobitz type I (Wenckebach)** with progressive PR lengthening before a dropped beat, or **Mobitz type II** with sudden, unexpected dropped beats without prior PR prolongation [1]. *Normal rhythm* - A **normal PR interval** typically falls between **0.12 and 0.20 seconds** (120-200 milliseconds). - A measurement of **0.21 seconds** is outside this normal range, indicating an abnormality in AV conduction. *Complete heart block* - This is characterized by a complete dissociation between atrial and ventricular activity, where **no atrial impulses** are conducted to the ventricles. - On the ECG, this appears as P waves and QRS complexes occurring independently, with **regular but asynchronous** rhythms.

Q: A patient presents with shortness of breath. Vitals are HR = 120/min with BP = 90/60 mm Hg. Echocardiography shows diastolic collapse of the ventricles. What is the best management for this patient?

Pericardiocentesis. **Pericardiocentesis** * The constellation of **tachycardia**, **hypotension**, and **diastolic collapse of the ventricles** on echocardiography is highly suggestive of **cardiac tamponade**, a life-threatening condition [1]. * **Pericardiocentesis** is the definitive treatment for cardiac tamponade, as it relieves the pressure on the heart by draining the pericardial fluid, thereby restoring cardiac output and improving hemodynamics [1]. * *Start diuretic with BP monitoring* * Administering **diuretics** would further decrease intravascular volume and worsen already compromised cardiac output in the setting of hypotension due to cardiac tamponade. * While **blood pressure monitoring** is essential, diuretics are contraindicated and would exacerbate the patient's hemodynamic instability. * *Intra-aortic balloon pump* * An **intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP)** primarily assists in improving **coronary perfusion** and reducing **afterload** in conditions like cardiogenic shock or severe heart failure. * An IABP does not address the fundamental problem of external compression of the heart in cardiac tamponade and would not relieve the diagnostic finding of diastolic collapse of the ventricles. * *Ventricular assist device* * A **ventricular assist device (VAD)** is used to support failing ventricles by pumping blood from the heart to the rest of the body, typically in cases of advanced heart failure. * A VAD does not resolve the external compression on the heart caused by pericardial fluid in cardiac tamponade and is an invasive measure not indicated as a primary treatment in this scenario.

Q: A 12-year-old boy presents with weak pulses in the upper limbs, a blood pressure of 90/60 mmHg , and retinal hemorrhages. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Takayasu arteritis. ***Takayasu arteritis*** - **Weak pulses** in the upper limbs, **lower blood pressure** (90/60 mmHg), and **retinal hemorrhages** are classic signs of Takayasu arteritis, which primarily affects the aortic arch and its major branches. [1] - This condition is also known as "pulseless disease" due to the significant narrowing of peripheral arteries, leading to diminished or absent pulses. [1] *Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP)* - HSP is characterized by a **palpable purpuric rash**, **arthralgia**, **abdominal pain**, and **renal involvement** (hematuria/proteinuria), none of which are explicitly mentioned here. - It typically affects **small vessels** and does not cause weak pulses in the upper limbs or systemic hypotension in this manner. *Polyarteritis nodosa (PAN)* - PAN is a **necrotizing vasculitis** of medium-sized arteries, often presenting with **fever**, **weight loss**, **myalgia**, and visceral infarcts. - While it can affect various organs, it does not typically cause the specific pattern of weak upper limb pulses and retinal hemorrhages observed here, which points to large vessel involvement. *Microscopic polyangiitis* - This is a **small-vessel vasculitis** characterized by **glomerulonephritis** and **pulmonary capillaritis**, often presenting with hemoptysis and rapidly progressive renal failure. - It does not cause the large vessel symptoms like weak upper limb pulses or significant systemic hypotension seen in the patient.

Question 1

Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the code given below the Lists:

**List-I**
A. Atrial fibrillation
B. Ventricular tachycardia
C. Complete heart block
D. Ventricular fibrillation

**List-II**
1. Chaotic rhythm
2. Dissociation of P and QRS waves
3. Wide QRS complexes and regular rapid rate
4. Irregular R-R interval without P waves

Accepted Answer

A→4  B→3  C→2  D→1

Answer

A→4  B→3  C→1  D→2

Answer

A→3  B→2  C→4  D→1

Answer

A→3  B→2  C→1  D→4

Question 2

The normal ankle brachial pressure index (ABPI) is 1.0. A value of 0.8 suggests

Accepted Answer

some degree of arterial obstruction

Answer

impending gangrene

Answer

presence of collaterals

Answer

good flow

Question 3

A patient presents with claudication in both buttocks and has impotence. The clinical examination reveals bruit over lower abdomen. What is the clinical diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Aortoiliac occlusion

Answer

Bilateral iliofemoral occlusion

Answer

Bilateral iliac artery occlusion

Answer

Bilateral femoropopliteal occlusion

Question 4

Patients with phlebographically confirmed deep vein thrombosis of the calf:

Accepted Answer

are at risk for significant pulmonary embolism

Answer

can expect asymptomatic recovery if treated promptly with anticoagulant

Answer

may be effectively treated with low-dose heparin

Answer

may be effectively treated with pneumatic compression stockings

Question 5

The "DASH diet" is a lifestyle modification for management of which of these conditions ?

Accepted Answer

Hypertension

Answer

Diabetes

Answer

Cancer

Answer

Anemia

Question 6

DASH diet plan is advocated in the control of which one of the following diseases?

Accepted Answer

Hypertension

Answer

Rheumatic heart disease

Answer

Cancer

Answer

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Question 7

Consider the following statements regarding claudication:

1. It is a marker for silent coronary disease
2. Structured exercise program ( 2 hours per week for 3 months) leads to improvement in symptoms
3. Diabetes mellitus increases the risk and severity of claudication
4. Beta blockers may exacerbate claudication

Which of the above statements are correct?

Accepted Answer

1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer

1, 3 and 4 only

Answer

1 and 2 only

Answer

2, 3 and 4 only

Question 8

The PR interval was measured at 0.21 seconds on a routine ECG of a patient. What is the correct interpretation?

Accepted Answer

First degree heart block

Answer

Second degree heart block

Answer

Normal rhythm

Answer

Complete heart block

Question 9

A patient presents with shortness of breath. Vitals are HR = 120/min with BP = 90/60 mm Hg. Echocardiography shows diastolic collapse of the ventricles. What is the best management for this patient?

Accepted Answer

Pericardiocentesis

Answer

Start diuretic with BP monitoring

Answer

Intra-aortic balloon pump

Answer

Ventricular assist device

Question 10

A 12-year-old boy presents with weak pulses in the upper limbs, a blood pressure of 90/60 mmHg , and retinal hemorrhages. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Takayasu arteritis

Answer

Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP)

Answer

Polyarteritis nodosa (PAN)

Answer

Microscopic polyangiitis

Cardiology — MCQs

Cardiology — MCQs

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