EDAIC Cardiovascular Physiology and Pharmacology 3

Question 1

In a patient with aortic stenosis, which hemodynamic pattern is expected?

Accepted Answer

High transaortic gradient, concentric LV hypertrophy

Answer

Severe aortic stenosis creates a high pressure gradient across the valve and leads to concentric left ventricular hypertrophy from chronic pressure overload.

Question 2

The coronary perfusion pressure is defined as:

Accepted Answer

Aortic diastolic pressure minus LVEDP

Answer

Coronary perfusion pressure = aortic diastolic pressure minus left ventricular end-diastolic pressure, as most LV coronary flow occurs during diastole.

Question 3

Which receptor subtype mediates vasodilation when activated by dopamine at low doses (1-3 mcg/kg/min)?

Accepted Answer

DA1 dopaminergic receptors

Answer

At low doses, dopamine activates DA1 receptors in renal and splanchnic vasculature, causing vasodilation and increased renal blood flow.

Question 4

What is the primary mechanism by which volatile anesthetics cause myocardial depression?

Accepted Answer

Reducing intracellular calcium availability and sensitization

Answer

Volatile anesthetics impair calcium release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum and reduce myofilament calcium sensitivity, depressing myocardial contractility.

Question 5

In the pressure-volume loop of the left ventricle, the width of the loop represents:

Accepted Answer

Stroke volume

Answer

The horizontal width of the LV pressure-volume loop represents stroke volume (the difference between end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes).

EDAIC - European Diploma in Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Practice Test

EDAIC - European Diploma in Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Practice Test

EDAIC Cardiovascular Physiology and Pharmacology 3