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

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.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Dilated cardiomyopathy. This is a chronic condition characterized by the heart muscle becoming weakened and enlarged, leading to reduced pumping efficiency. This results in symptoms like shortness of breath, fatigue, and swelling. The other choices are incorrect because: B: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is characterized by thickening of the heart muscle, not weakening and enlargement. C: Myocarditis is inflammation of the heart muscle, not specifically causing heart muscle weakening and enlargement. D: Pericarditis is inflammation of the pericardium (outer lining of the heart), not directly affecting heart muscle function.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Holter monitor. A Holter monitor is a device that measures the electrical activity of the heart over an extended period, usually 24 to 48 hours. It is used to detect abnormal heart rhythms and assess how the heart responds to daily activities. Explanation: 1. The Holter monitor records the heart's electrical activity continuously, providing a detailed analysis of any irregularities. 2. Unlike an echocardiogram, which uses sound waves to create images of the heart, the Holter monitor focuses on monitoring electrical signals. 3. A stress test evaluates the heart's performance under physical stress, not over an extended period like the Holter monitor. 4. Arterial blood gas (ABG) measures oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the blood, not the heart's electrical activity. In summary, the Holter monitor is the correct choice as it specifically measures the heart's electrical activity over an extended timeframe, distinguishing it from the other options.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Echocardiogram. An echocardiogram uses sound waves to create images of the heart, providing detailed information about its structure and function in real time. It is a non-invasive and safe imaging technique commonly used to diagnose heart conditions. MRI (B) uses magnetic fields, CT scan (C) uses X-rays, and X-ray (D) uses electromagnetic radiation, but these techniques do not specifically use sound waves to image the heart.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Angiography. Angiography is the imaging test that uses X-rays to visualize blood vessels by injecting contrast dye. This dye highlights the blood vessels, allowing for clear visualization on X-ray images. Angiography is specifically designed to provide detailed images of the blood vessels and identify any blockages or abnormalities. B: CT scan uses X-rays but does not involve injecting contrast dye into blood vessels. C: MRI uses magnetic fields and radio waves, not X-rays. D: Ultrasound uses sound waves, not X-rays or contrast dye to visualize blood vessels.