Heart Failure — MCQs
Radiological features of left ventricular heart failure are all, except -
Drug used for euvolemic hyponatremia in patient with advanced congestive heart failure is?
Which is not seen in heart failure?
A 65-year-old man with congestive heart failure presents with worsening bilateral pitting edema. What is the most appropriate next step in management?
Which of the following is not used in heart failure?
All drugs decrease mortality in heart failure except:
In children, which of the following is a key diagnostic sign of congestive heart failure (CHF)?
Which medication is commonly used in heart failure that also has aldosterone antagonistic properties?
Which type of cardiomyopathy is associated with alcohol abuse?
Which of the following is the MOST common complication of untreated hypertension?
Heart Failure Indian Medical PG Practice Questions and MCQs
Question 1: Radiological features of left ventricular heart failure are all, except -
- A. Kerley B lines
- B. Cardiomegaly
- C. Increased flow in upper lobe veins
- D. Oligemic lung fields (Correct Answer)
Explanation: ***Oligemic lung fields*** - **Oligemic lung fields** are characteristic of conditions like severe **pulmonary hypertension** or **pulmonary embolism** post-embolus, leading to reduced blood flow to the lungs, not left ventricular heart failure. - In left ventricular heart failure, the primary issue is **pulmonary venous congestion** and **edema**, leading to increased, not decreased, pulmonary vascular markings. *Kerley B lines* - **Kerley B lines** are often seen in left ventricular heart failure, indicating **interstitial pulmonary edema**. - They represent thickened, edematous interlobular septa due to increased hydrostatic pressure in the pulmonary capillaries. *Cardiomegaly* - **Cardiomegaly** (enlarged heart) on chest X-ray is a common finding in left ventricular heart failure, reflecting ventricular dilation and/or hypertrophy due to chronic increased workload. - This enlargement is often due to the heart's compensatory mechanisms attempting to maintain cardiac output. *Increased flow in upper lobe veins* - **Increased flow in upper lobe veins** (cephalization of pulmonary vessels) is an early sign of pulmonary venous hypertension in left ventricular heart failure. - Due to elevated left atrial pressure, blood is preferentially shunted to the less gravitationally dependent upper lobes.
Question 2: Drug used for euvolemic hyponatremia in patient with advanced congestive heart failure is?
- A. Nesiritide
- B. Tolvaptan (Correct Answer)
- C. Metoprolol
- D. Hydrocortisone
Explanation: ***Tolvaptan*** - **Tolvaptan** is a selective **vasopressin V2-receptor antagonist** that promotes free water excretion (aquaresis) without significantly altering electrolyte balance, making it suitable for euvolemic hyponatremia [1]. - It works by blocking the action of **antidiuretic hormone (ADH)**, which is often elevated in patients with **congestive heart failure (CHF)** leading to water retention and hyponatremia [2]. *Nesiritide* - **Nesiritide** is a **recombinant human B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP)** that causes vasodilation and diuresis, but it is primarily used for acutely decompensated heart failure with signs of congestion, not specifically for euvolemic hyponatremia [1]. - While it can induce diuresis, its main role is to reduce **preload** and **afterload**, and it does not directly target the mechanism of euvolemic hyponatremia as effectively as an aquaretic agent [1]. *Metoprolol* - **Metoprolol** is a **beta-blocker** used to reduce heart rate and blood pressure, improving cardiac function in CHF patients. - It does not directly address **hyponatremia** and its mechanism of action is unrelated to water balance or sodium concentration. *Hydrocortisone* - **Hydrocortisone** is a **corticosteroid** used for conditions like adrenal insufficiency, inflammation, or allergic reactions. - It has no direct role in the management of **hyponatremia** or **congestive heart failure**.
Question 3: Which is not seen in heart failure?
- A. Cardiomegaly
- B. Kerley B lines
- C. Kerley A Lines
- D. Oligemia (Correct Answer)
Explanation: ***Oligemia*** - **Oligemia** refers to a reduced blood volume or total blood flow to a region, which is typically not observed in **heart failure**. - In **heart failure**, the body often experiences **fluid overload** and **pulmonary congestion**, leading to increased blood volume in the lungs, not reduced [1]. *Cardiomegaly* - **Cardiomegaly**, or an enlarged heart, is a common finding in **heart failure** as the heart muscle remodels and dilates to compensate for impaired pumping function [1], [3]. - This can be seen on a chest X-ray as an **increased cardiothoracic ratio** [1], [2]. *Kerley B lines* - **Kerley B lines** are thin, horizontal lines visible on a chest X-ray, typically found at the lung periphery. - They indicate **interstitial edema** due to increased pulmonary venous pressure, a characteristic sign of **pulmonary congestion** in **heart failure** [1]. *Kerley A Lines* - **Kerley A lines** are longer, less common lines seen radiating from the hila towards the upper lobes. - These lines represent **distended anastomotic channels** between pulmonary and systemic venous systems, also indicative of **pulmonary edema** and **heart failure** [1], [4].
Question 4: A 65-year-old man with congestive heart failure presents with worsening bilateral pitting edema. What is the most appropriate next step in management?
- A. Increase diuretic dose (Correct Answer)
- B. Add beta-blocker
- C. Start corticosteroids
- D. Prescribe ACE inhibitor
Explanation: ***Increase diuretic dose*** - Worsening **pitting edema** in a patient with **congestive heart failure** indicates fluid overload, and increasing the diuretic dose is the most direct and effective treatment [1]. - This aims to **reduce fluid retention** and alleviate symptoms like edema and congestion, improving the patient's hemodynamic status [1]. *Add beta-blocker* - Beta-blockers are crucial for **long-term management** of heart failure by improving cardiac function and survival, but they are typically initiated slowly in stable patients. - Adding a beta-blocker acutely in a patient with worsening fluid overload can exacerbate symptoms and is generally **contraindicated** if the patient is not euvolemic. *Start corticosteroids* - **Corticosteroids** have powerful **anti-inflammatory** and immunosuppressive effects but are not indicated for the management of fluid overload in heart failure [1]. - They can actually cause **sodium and fluid retention**, which would worsen the patient's edema and heart failure symptoms [1]. *Prescribe ACE inhibitor* - **ACE inhibitors** are foundational in heart failure therapy for reducing afterload and remodeling, but they do not directly address acute fluid overload [2]. - While beneficial for long-term management, initiating or increasing an ACE inhibitor would not be the most appropriate immediate step for acute worsening edema [2].
Question 5: Which of the following is not used in heart failure?
- A. Sacubitril
- B. Metoprolol
- C. Trimetazidine (Correct Answer)
- D. Nesiritide
Explanation: ***Trimetazidine*** - While it has an anti-ischemic effect and can be used in **stable angina**, trimetazidine is *not* a primary or established drug for **heart failure** treatment. - Its mechanism involves metabolic modulation rather than direct hemodynamic or neurohormonal benefits critical for heart failure. *Sacubitril* - Sacubitril is a **neprilysin inhibitor**, often combined with valsartan (an ARB) as **sacubitril/valsartan**, and is a cornerstone in managing **heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF)**. - It enhances beneficial natriuretic peptides, leading to vasodilation, natriuresis, and reduced cardiac remodeling. *Metoprolol* - **Beta-blockers** like metoprolol are essential in heart failure management, particularly in **HFrEF**, to reduce mortality and morbidity. - They work by blocking the effects of norepinephrine and epinephrine, thereby reducing heart rate, myocardial contractility, and preventing adverse cardiac remodeling. *Nesiritide* - Nesiritide is a **recombinant human B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP)** that is used intravenously in the acute setting for **decompensated heart failure**. - It promotes vasodilation, diuresis, and natriuresis, helping to reduce preload and afterload.
Question 6: All drugs decrease mortality in heart failure except:
- A. Enalapril
- B. Metoprolol
- C. Digoxin (Correct Answer)
- D. Telmisartan
Explanation: ***Digoxin*** - **Digoxin** is known to improve symptoms and reduce hospitalizations in heart failure, but it has **not been shown to decrease mortality** in large clinical trials (DIG trial). - Its narrow **therapeutic window** and potential for toxicity, especially in patients with renal impairment, limit its use primarily to symptom management. *Metoprolol* - **Metoprolol succinate**, a beta-blocker, significantly reduces mortality and morbidity in patients with chronic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (MERIT-HF trial) by blocking the deleterious effects of the sympathetic nervous system. - It works by reducing heart rate, myocardial oxygen demand, and cardiac remodeling. *Enalapril* - **Enalapril**, an ACE inhibitor, is a cornerstone medication in heart failure treatment due to its proven ability to reduce mortality, hospitalizations, and improve quality of life (CONSENSUS, SOLVD trials). - It works by blocking the **renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system**, leading to vasodilation, reduced preload and afterload, and prevention of cardiac remodeling. *Telmisartan* - **Telmisartan**, an ARB (angiotensin receptor blocker), is used as an alternative in heart failure patients who cannot tolerate ACE inhibitors due to side effects like cough. - ARBs as a class have shown mortality benefits in heart failure, acting by blocking the **angiotensin II type 1 receptor**, producing similar cardiovascular benefits to ACE inhibitors in terms of vasodilation and reduction in cardiac remodeling.
Question 7: In children, which of the following is a key diagnostic sign of congestive heart failure (CHF)?
- A. Pedal edema
- B. Raised JVP
- C. Basal crepitations
- D. Hepatomegaly (Correct Answer)
Explanation: ***Hepatomegaly*** - In children, **hepatomegaly** is a crucial indicator of **right-sided heart failure** due to congestion of the hepatic venous system. - The liver is a compressible organ and can accommodate a significant increase in blood volume, causing it to enlarge considerably before other signs of **venous congestion** become apparent. *Raised JVP* - **Raised jugular venous pressure (JVP)** is often difficult to assess reliably in infants and young children due to their short necks and uncooperative nature. - While present in older children with CHF, it is not considered as sensitive or specific as other signs in younger pediatric patients. *Pedal edema* - **Pedal edema** is less common in pediatric CHF compared to adults, particularly in infants and toddlers. - Their shorter hydrostatic columns and tendency to spend more time supine make dependent edema less prominent. *Basal crepitations* - **Basal crepitations** (rales) indicate **pulmonary edema**, which is a sign of **left-sided heart failure**. - While a part of CHF, **hepatomegaly** is a more consistent and often earlier sign that can be detected across different forms of pediatric CHF (right or left-sided).
Question 8: Which medication is commonly used in heart failure that also has aldosterone antagonistic properties?
- A. Carvedilol
- B. Spironolactone (Correct Answer)
- C. Abiraterone
- D. Sacubitril/Valsartan
Explanation: ***Spironolactone*** - **Spironolactone** is a **potassium-sparing diuretic** that acts as a **competitive antagonist of aldosterone** receptors, primarily in the collecting ducts of the kidneys. - This action leads to increased excretion of sodium and water, and retention of potassium, which is beneficial in **heart failure** by reducing fluid overload and mitigating the detrimental effects of aldosterone on cardiac remodeling. *Carvedilol* - **Carvedilol** is a **beta-blocker** with additional **alpha-1 blocking** properties, commonly used in heart failure to reduce heart rate, blood pressure, and myocardial oxygen demand. - It does not possess significant aldosterone antagonistic properties. *Sacubitril/Valsartan* - **Sacubitril/Valsartan** is an **angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI)**. Valsartan is an **angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB)**, and sacubitril inhibits neprilysin, an enzyme that degrades natriuretic peptides. - While it modulates the **renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS)** and is highly effective in heart failure, it does not directly antagonize aldosterone receptors. *Abiraterone* - **Abiraterone** is an **androgen-biosynthesis inhibitor** used in the treatment of **prostate cancer**. - Its primary mechanism involves inhibiting **CYP17**, an enzyme critical for androgen production, and it has no role in the management of heart failure or aldosterone antagonism.
Question 9: Which type of cardiomyopathy is associated with alcohol abuse?
- A. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
- B. Dilated cardiomyopathy (Correct Answer)
- C. Pericarditis
- D. Myocarditis
Explanation: ### Dilated cardiomyopathy - Chronic **alcohol abuse** is a well-established cause of **dilated cardiomyopathy**, leading to weakening and enlargement of the ventricles [1]. - This condition results in impaired systolic function and can cause **heart failure** [1]. *Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy* - This condition is primarily characterized by **pathological thickening of the heart muscle**, often genetic, and is not directly caused by alcohol abuse. - It leads to issues with relaxation and filling of the heart, rather than dilation and weakness. *Pericarditis* - **Pericarditis** is the inflammation of the sac surrounding the heart (pericardium), most commonly caused by viral infections, autoimmune diseases, or injury. - It is not directly linked to alcohol abuse as a primary cause. *Myocarditis* - **Myocarditis** is the inflammation of the heart muscle, often triggered by viral infections, autoimmune reactions, or certain medications. - While heavy alcohol use can weaken the heart, myocarditis is primarily an inflammatory process not directly caused by alcohol.
Question 10: Which of the following is the MOST common complication of untreated hypertension?
- A. Stroke (Correct Answer)
- B. Kidney damage
- C. Heart failure
- D. Vision loss
Explanation: ***Stroke*** - **Untreated hypertension** is a major risk factor for both **ischemic** and **hemorrhagic strokes**, damaging blood vessels in the brain [1]. - Sustained high blood pressure can lead to **atherosclerosis** and weakened blood vessel walls, increasing the likelihood of a stroke [1]. *Heart failure* - While hypertension is a leading cause of **heart failure**, it typically develops over a longer period as the heart works harder against elevated pressure, leading to remodeling and dysfunction [2]. - In terms of acute, severe complications, a stroke is often considered more immediately catastrophic. *Kidney damage* - **Hypertensive nephropathy** is a significant long-term complication where high blood pressure damages the small blood vessels in the kidneys, impairing their function. - This process is gradual and contributes to **chronic kidney disease**, but stroke often emerges as a more common and acute serious event. *Vision loss* - **Hypertensive retinopathy** involves damage to the blood vessels in the retina, which can lead to vision problems including **vision loss** or **blindness**. - This is a serious complication, but **stroke** generally has a higher prevalence and more immediate impact in terms of overall morbidity and mortality associated with untreated hypertension.
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