What is the condition where the arteries in the brain become blocked or narrowed, leading to reduced blood flow and a potential stroke?

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Cardiovascular System Exam Questions And Answers Questions

Question 1 of 5

What is the condition where the arteries in the brain become blocked or narrowed, leading to reduced blood flow and a potential stroke?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Cerebral atherosclerosis. This condition specifically refers to the buildup of plaque in the arteries supplying the brain, leading to blockages or narrowing. Reduced blood flow in the brain can result in a stroke. Coronary artery disease (B) affects the heart's blood vessels, not the brain. Pulmonary embolism (C) involves a blockage in the arteries of the lungs. Peripheral artery disease (D) affects arteries outside of the heart and brain, usually in the limbs. Therefore, the correct answer is A as it directly relates to the blockages in the brain arteries leading to a potential stroke.

Question 2 of 5

What type of medication is used to reduce high blood pressure by relaxing the blood vessels?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Calcium channel blocker. These medications work by relaxing the blood vessels, leading to lower blood pressure. They inhibit the entry of calcium into the smooth muscle cells of the blood vessels, causing vasodilation. Beta-blockers (B) reduce heart rate and contractility. ACE inhibitors (C) block the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, leading to vasodilation. Diuretics (D) work by increasing urine output to lower blood volume and pressure. In this case, the mechanism of action aligns with the desired effect of relaxing blood vessels to reduce high blood pressure.

Question 3 of 5

Which condition is characterized by the right ventricle of the heart failing due to increased pressure in the lungs, often caused by chronic lung disease?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Cor pulmonale. This condition is characterized by right ventricle failure due to increased pulmonary pressure from chronic lung disease. Step 1: Chronic lung disease causes increased pressure in the lungs. Step 2: The increased pressure in the lungs leads to the right ventricle of the heart working harder to pump blood through the lungs. Step 3: Over time, this increased workload can cause right ventricular failure, known as cor pulmonale. Summary: B is incorrect as pulmonary embolism is a sudden blockage of an artery in the lungs. C is incorrect as aortic stenosis involves narrowing of the aortic valve, affecting the left ventricle. D is incorrect as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a genetic condition causing thickening of the heart muscle.

Question 4 of 5

What is a condition where the heart's electrical impulses are blocked or delayed, leading to a slower or irregular heartbeat?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Heart block. Heart block refers to a condition where the heart's electrical impulses are blocked or delayed, leading to a slower or irregular heartbeat. This occurs when there is interference with the electrical signals that control the heart's rhythm as they travel through the heart's conduction system. Atrial fibrillation (B) is an irregular and often rapid heart rate that can occur due to chaotic electrical signals in the heart's upper chambers. Tachycardia (C) is a condition where the heart rate is too fast, not slower or irregular. Bradycardia (D) refers to a slow heart rate but not necessarily due to electrical impulse blockage.

Question 5 of 5

What type of heart disease is characterized by the heart muscle becoming enlarged and weakened, reducing its ability to pump blood effectively?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Dilated cardiomyopathy. This condition is characterized by the heart muscle becoming enlarged and weakened, leading to reduced pumping efficiency. This results in symptoms like fatigue, shortness of breath, and swelling. In contrast, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (B) is characterized by thickening of the heart muscle, restrictive cardiomyopathy (C) involves stiffness of the heart muscle, and myocarditis (D) is inflammation of the heart muscle. These conditions do not specifically involve the enlargement and weakening seen in dilated cardiomyopathy.

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