Myocardial Infarction · Pathology

A 70-year-old woman survives an MI but develops progressive shortness of breath and orthopnea. This is most likely due to:

  1. Right-sided heart failure
  2. Acute renal failure
  3. Left heart failure with pulmonary edema
  4. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and hypoxemia
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Correct answer: Left heart failure with pulmonary edema

Left ventricular dysfunction following an MI leads to increased back-pressure in the pulmonary circulation. This results in pulmonary congestion and edema, clinically manifesting as dyspnea and orthopnea.

Difficulty: Medium Question 17 of 20

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