Which of the following heart muscle diseases is unrelated to other cardiovascular diseases?
A. Cardiomyopathy
B. Coronary artery disease
C. Myocardial infarction
D. Pericardial Effusion
Correct Answer: A. Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy isn’t usually related to underlying heart disease such as atherosclerosis. The etiology in most cases is unknown.
Option B: Coronary artery disease is directly related to atherosclerosis. Coronary artery disease is caused by plaque buildup in the wall of the arteries that supply blood to the heart (called coronary arteries). Plaque is made up of cholesterol deposits. Plaque buildup causes the inside of the arteries to narrow over time. This process is called atherosclerosis.
Option C: During the progression of atherosclerosis, myeloid cells destabilize lipid-rich plaque in the arterial wall and cause its rupture, thus triggering myocardial infarction.
Option D: Pericardial effusion is the escape of fluid into the pericardial sac, a condition associated with pericarditis and advanced heart failure.