Cardiac Medicine Certification (CMC) Practice Exam

Which of the following is NOT a complication associated with an inferior wall myocardial infarction?

1. Bradycardia

2. First-degree heart block

3. Pulmonary embolism

4. Papillary muscle rupture

The correct answer is: Pulmonary embolism

The correct choice identifies pulmonary embolism as a complication that is NOT typically associated with an inferior wall myocardial infarction. An inferior wall myocardial infarction primarily affects the right coronary artery, leading to various complications related to cardiac conduction and structural integrity. Bradycardia and first-degree heart block are common complications due to the proximity of the affected area to the atrioventricular (AV) node, which can be susceptible to ischemia. In inferior wall infarctions, especially those involving significant damage, the heart's electrical conduction system may be compromised, resulting in slower heart rates (bradycardia) or prolonged conduction times (first-degree heart block). Papillary muscle rupture can occur following a myocardial infarction, including those of the inferior wall, leading to acute mitral valve insufficiency. This is due to the papillary muscles being supplied by arteries that can be compromised during an inferior wall infarction, causing them to rupture and severely impact cardiac function. In contrast, pulmonary embolism is not a direct complication of inferior wall myocardial infarction. Pulmonary embolism arises from deep vein thrombosis or other sources and affects the lungs rather than directly stemming from myocardial or cardiac complications. Thus, it does not fit the context of complications arising from an inferior