Cardiology Essentials

What is the most common cause of heart failure in adults in Nigeria and much of sub-Saharan Africa?

1. Hypertension
2. Coronary artery disease
3. Chagas disease
4. Congenital heart disease

A myocardial infarction is usually caused by:

1. A blocked vein in the leg
2. Blockage of a coronary artery by a clot on a ruptured plaque
3. Low blood sugar
4. A viral infection of the heart valves

What is the classic symptom of a myocardial infarction?

1. Sharp pain that worsens when pressing on the ribs
2. Crushing central chest pain that may spread to the left arm or jaw
3. Itching of the chest
4. A headache only

Which blood test is most specific for damage to heart muscle?

1. Amylase
2. Creatinine
3. Bilirubin
4. Troponin

Which ECG change is the hallmark of a STEMI?

1. A normal ECG
2. ST-segment elevation
3. Tall P waves only
4. A short PR interval

Which antiplatelet drug is given early in a suspected heart attack?

1. Warfarin only
2. Aspirin
3. Paracetamol
4. Ibuprofen

What does atrial fibrillation look like on an ECG?

1. A flat line
2. Regular wide QRS complexes
3. A regular rhythm with tall T waves
4. An irregularly irregular rhythm with no clear P waves