Dyspnea, cough, expectoration, weakness, and edema are classic signs and symptoms of which of the following conditions?
A. Pericarditis
B. Hypertension
C. Obliterative
D. Restrictive
Correct Answer: D. Restrictive
These are the classic symptoms of heart failure. Heart failure is the pathophysiologic state in which the heart, via an abnormality of cardiac function (detectable or not), fails to pump blood at a rate commensurate with the requirements of the metabolizing tissues or is able to do so only with an elevated diastolic filling pressure.
Option A: Pericarditis is exhibited by a feeling of fullness in the chest and auscultation of a pericardial friction rub.
Option B: Hypertension is usually exhibited by headaches, visual disturbances, and a flushed face. Myocardial infarction causes heart failure but isn’t related to these symptoms.
Option C: Obliterative cardiomyopathy is very rare. It may result from the end stage of eosinophilic syndromes, in which intracavitary thrombus fills the left ventricular apex and hampers the filling of the ventricles.