Physical Exam Cardiovascular System Related

Review Physical Exam Cardiovascular System related questions and content

What is the condition where the walls of the heart's ventricles become thickened, reducing the heart's ability to pump blood effectively?

  • A. Ventricular hypertrophy
  • B. Atrial fibrillation
  • C. Restrictive cardiomyopathy
  • D. Cardiomyopathy
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Ventricular hypertrophy. Ventricular hypertrophy refers to the thickening of the walls of the heart's ventricles, which can reduce the heart's ability to pump blood effectively. This condition is often a response to conditions like high blood pressure or heart valve disease, leading to increased workload on the heart muscle. Atrial fibrillation (B) is an irregular heart rhythm, not directly related to ventricular thickening. Restrictive cardiomyopathy (C) involves stiffening of the heart muscle, affecting the heart's ability to fill properly. Cardiomyopathy (D) is a general term for diseases of the heart muscle, not specifically describing ventricular thickening.