Cardiovascular System Exam Questions Related

Review Cardiovascular System Exam Questions related questions and content

Which chronic condition is characterized by abnormally thickened heart muscle, making it harder for the heart to pump blood efficiently?

  • A. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
  • B. Dilated cardiomyopathy
  • C. Restrictive cardiomyopathy
  • D. Ventricular hypertrophy
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Rationale:
1. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is characterized by thickening of the heart muscle.
2. The thickening reduces the heart's ability to pump blood efficiently.
3. This leads to symptoms like shortness of breath, chest pain, and fatigue.
4. HCM is a genetic condition that affects the heart's structure.
5. Dilated cardiomyopathy involves the heart becoming enlarged, not thickened.
6. Restrictive cardiomyopathy refers to stiffening of the heart muscle.
7. Ventricular hypertrophy is a general term for thickening of the heart's chambers, not the muscle itself.

Summary:
A is correct as HCM matches the description provided. B, C, and D do not align with the specific characteristics of abnormally thickened heart muscle seen in HCM.