Cardiac Medicine Certification (CMC) Practice Exam

What triggers acute heart failure in susceptible patients?

1. Routine exercise

2. Electrolyte balance

3. Pulmonary embolism

4. Dietary improvements

The correct answer is: Pulmonary embolism

Acute heart failure in susceptible patients is often triggered by conditions that put sudden, intense stress on the heart. Pulmonary embolism is one such condition where a blood clot travels to the lungs, blocking a blood vessel. This blockage can increase pulmonary pressure and lead to right heart strain. In individuals with pre-existing heart conditions or weakened cardiac function, this can result in acute heart failure due to the increased workload on the heart and the sudden decrease in oxygenated blood flow. Routine exercise generally does not trigger acute heart failure in healthy individuals; rather, it is typically beneficial unless performed excessively or without proper conditioning in people with existing heart problems. Electrolyte imbalances can affect heart function and may lead to complications, but they are generally more related to chronic heart issues or can be secondary effects rather than direct triggers of acute heart failure episodes. Dietary improvements are usually aimed at heart health and do not act as triggers for acute heart failure; instead, they serve to improve overall cardiac function and prevent such events.