Cardiovascular System

Question 11 - Single Best Answer

An 85 year old black male presents for an annual exam. On auscultation of his heart, no abnormalities are found. However, a carotid bruit(sound indicating turbulence or loud blood flow at the carotid artery) is heard bilaterally. This is usually associated with atherosclerosis(hardening of the arteries). The remainder of the exam is normal. What is the most immediately worrisome complication associated with these findings? OK THIS IS A DIFFICULT QUESTION BUT YOU'LL BE AHEAD OF THE GAME 2ND YR IF YOU REMEMBER IT!

C) Death secondary to cardiovascular damage to vital organs such as the brain and heart.

CORRECTO!
CORRECTO! Strokes and myocardial infarctions(heart attacks) can occur secondary to the lack of blood supply that occcurs when sizes of blood vessel lumina decrease secondary to atherosclerosis. Some atherosclerosis can be expected in older patients. However, the greatest risk factors are a sedentary lifestyle, fatty diets, etc. Here is a gross specimen of an acute MI. Here is another gross specimen of an acute MI with secondary rupture of the ventricular wall.