Cardiovascular System Exam Related

Review Cardiovascular System Exam related questions and content

What is the condition where the heart's mitral valve does not close properly, allowing blood to leak backward into the left atrium?

  • A. Mitral regurgitation
  • B. Aortic stenosis
  • C. Tricuspid regurgitation
  • D. Pulmonary hypertension
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Mitral regurgitation. In this condition, the mitral valve fails to close properly, causing blood to flow back into the left atrium during ventricular contraction. This results in decreased forward blood flow and increased volume in the left atrium and ventricle. Mitral regurgitation can lead to symptoms like fatigue, shortness of breath, and heart murmur upon auscultation.

Now, let's analyze the other choices:
B: Aortic stenosis - This involves narrowing of the aortic valve, obstructing blood flow from the left ventricle to the aorta.
C: Tricuspid regurgitation - Involves backward flow of blood from the right ventricle to the right atrium due to a faulty tricuspid valve.
D: Pulmonary hypertension - Elevated blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries, usually caused by underlying conditions affecting the lungs or heart.

Therefore, the correct answer is A because it specifically describes