An elderly patient with a history of smoking two packs of cigarettes a day for 50 years complains

to her physician of progressive shortness of breath. On cardiac examination, the physician feels

the most prominent palpable impulse to be in the xiphoid area. This is most likely a result of what

condition?

a) Mitral regurgitation

b) Aortic stenosis

c) Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

d) Hypertension

e) Pulmonary hypertension

The correct answer from the options is E. Pulmonary hypertension

Explanation:

Pulmonary hypertension is referred to as a type of high blood pressure disease that affects the arteries in the lungs and the right side of the heart. It is characterized by shortness of breath, dizziness and chest pressure. Pulmonary hypertension arises from underlying lung disease from  smoking like emphysema.  Pulmonary hypertension frequently results in right ventricular hypertrophy.

controllable stroke risk factors include:

high blood pressure

atrial fibrillation

uncontrolled diabetes

high cholesterol

smoking

excessive alcohol intake

obesity

carotid or coronary artery disease

explanation:

identical twins share the same dna and blood type