ABIM Cardiology 2

Question 1

A patient presents with dyspnea, orthopnea, and bilateral lower extremity edema. BNP is 1,200 pg/mL. Which diuretic is the first-line treatment for acute decompensated heart failure?

Accepted Answer

Furosemide

Answer

Hydrochlorothiazide

Answer

Spironolactone

Answer

Acetazolamide

Question 2

A 50-year-old woman is found to have an LDL of 195 mg/dL despite lifestyle modifications. She has no cardiovascular disease or diabetes. What is the most appropriate next step?

Accepted Answer

Start high-intensity statin therapy

Answer

Reassure and recheck in 1 year

Answer

Start low-intensity statin therapy

Answer

Refer for genetic testing only

Question 3

Which ECG finding is most characteristic of Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome during sinus rhythm?

Accepted Answer

Delta waves with short PR interval

Answer

Prolonged QT interval

Answer

Right bundle branch block

Answer

ST depression in lateral leads

Question 4

A 65-year-old man with aortic stenosis has a valve area of 0.7 cm², mean gradient of 55 mmHg, and LVEF of 60%. He is asymptomatic. What is the most appropriate management?

Accepted Answer

Watchful waiting with close follow-up

Answer

Immediate aortic valve replacement

Answer

Start ACE inhibitor

Answer

Balloon aortic valvuloplasty

Question 5

A patient with dilated cardiomyopathy and EF of 30% is already on maximally tolerated doses of ACE inhibitor and beta-blocker. What additional medication reduces mortality?

Accepted Answer

Spironolactone

Answer

Digoxin

Answer

Amiodarone

Answer

Isosorbide mononitrate

Question 6

What is the preferred treatment for a hemodynamically stable patient with new-onset atrial flutter with a ventricular rate of 140 bpm?

Accepted Answer

Rate control with IV diltiazem

Answer

Immediate electrical cardioversion

Answer

Digoxin loading

Answer

Adenosine IV push