Think you know your cardiology questions? This free cardiology quiz is your chance to prove it! Whether you're a medical student, nurse, or seasoned cardiologist in need of a quick refresher, you'll tackle challenging cardiology MCQ exam items and engage with real-world scenarios. Test your heart health insights through carefully curated cardiology questions and answers covering anatomy, pathophysiology, and clinical assessment. Enhance your understanding further by trying our cardiac physiology quiz or our cardiovascular disease quiz . Ready to beat your best score? Dive in now and elevate your expertise!
What is the normal resting heart rate in adults?
120-140 beats per minute
40-60 beats per minute
60-100 beats per minute
100-120 beats per minute
The normal resting heart rate for healthy adults ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute. Rates below 60 bpm may indicate bradycardia and rates above 100 bpm may indicate tachycardia. This range is commonly used in clinical practice to assess cardiac function. More info.
Which chamber of the heart pumps deoxygenated blood to the lungs?
Left ventricle
Right atrium
Left atrium
Right ventricle
The right ventricle receives deoxygenated blood from the right atrium and pumps it through the pulmonary artery to the lungs for oxygenation. The left side of the heart handles oxygenated blood. Proper function of the right ventricle is essential for pulmonary circulation. More info.
The Sinoatrial (SA) node is located in which part of the heart?
Right atrial wall near the superior vena cava
Interventricular septum
Posterior left atrium
Atrioventricular junction
The SA node is situated in the upper part of the right atrial wall near the opening of the superior vena cava and acts as the primary pacemaker for the heart. It generates electrical impulses that initiate atrial depolarization. Dysfunction in the SA node can lead to arrhythmias. More info.
What is the first heart sound ('lub') associated with?
Aortic valve closure
Ventricular filling
Pulmonic valve closure
Mitral and tricuspid valve closure
The first heart sound, 'lub,' corresponds to the closure of the atrioventricular valves (mitral and tricuspid) at the start of ventricular systole. Closure prevents backflow of blood into the atria. This sound is an important component of normal cardiac auscultation. More info.
Which valve separates the left atrium and left ventricle?
Tricuspid valve
Aortic valve
Pulmonary valve
Mitral valve
The mitral valve, also known as the bicuspid valve, separates the left atrium and left ventricle and ensures unidirectional blood flow. It consists of two leaflets that open and close during the cardiac cycle. Mitral valve disease can lead to regurgitation or stenosis. More info.
What is the normal adult blood pressure threshold for hypertension diagnosis?
?120/80 mmHg
?150/90 mmHg
?130/80 mmHg
?140/90 mmHg
According to the 2017 ACC/AHA guidelines, hypertension is diagnosed when blood pressure is consistently ?130/80 mmHg in adults. Previously, the threshold was ?140/90 mmHg, but updated studies showed benefits of earlier treatment. These guidelines guide clinical decision-making for blood pressure control. More info.
Which blood vessel carries oxygenated blood from the lungs to the heart?
Pulmonary artery
Aorta
Pulmonary vein
Superior vena cava
The pulmonary veins transport oxygen-rich blood from the lungs into the left atrium of the heart. This is unique as most arteries carry oxygenated blood, but pulmonary veins are an exception. Proper pulmonary venous return is critical for systemic oxygen delivery. More info.
On a standard ECG, what does the P wave represent?
Atrial depolarization
Ventricular depolarization
Atrial repolarization
Ventricular repolarization
The P wave on an ECG corresponds to atrial depolarization, which triggers atrial contraction. Ventricular depolarization appears as the QRS complex, and repolarizations have other waveforms. The P wave is examined for size, shape, and timing to assess atrial function. More info.
What is the primary electrolyte responsible for depolarization in cardiac myocytes?
Sodium
Magnesium
Calcium
Potassium
During phase 0 of the cardiac action potential, rapid influx of sodium ions through voltage-gated sodium channels causes depolarization in cardiac myocytes. Calcium influx contributes to the plateau phase, and potassium efflux is responsible for repolarization. Electrolyte imbalances can precipitate arrhythmias. More info.
Which murmur is best heard at the left lower sternal border and increases with inspiration?
Tricuspid regurgitation
Aortic stenosis
Mitral regurgitation
Pulmonic stenosis
Tricuspid regurgitation produces a holosystolic murmur heard best at the left lower sternal border and typically increases in intensity with inspiration due to increased right-sided venous return. Inspiratory augmentation of right-sided murmurs distinguishes them from left-sided lesions. More info.
In the context of myocardial infarction, what does ST-segment elevation indicate?
Pericardial effusion
Transmural ischemia
Conduction delay
Subendocardial ischemia
ST-segment elevation on ECG is a hallmark of transmural (full-thickness) myocardial ischemia or injury typically seen in acute myocardial infarction. Subendocardial ischemia often causes ST-segment depression or T-wave changes. Prompt recognition guides reperfusion therapy. More info.
What medication class is first-line for chronic management of stable angina?
Calcium channel blockers
ACE inhibitors
Beta-blockers
Nitrates
Beta-blockers reduce myocardial oxygen demand by lowering heart rate and contractility and are considered first-line therapy for chronic stable angina. They improve symptoms and reduce cardiovascular events. Other agents like nitrates or calcium channel blockers may be added if needed. More info.
What is the formula for cardiac output?
Mean arterial pressure multiplied by systemic vascular resistance
Stroke volume multiplied by heart rate
Heart rate divided by stroke volume
Stroke volume divided by heart rate
Cardiac output is defined as the volume of blood the heart pumps per minute and is calculated by multiplying the stroke volume (volume per beat) by the heart rate (beats per minute). It is a key determinant of tissue perfusion. More info.
Which classification system grades heart failure based on symptoms during activity?
New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional classification
Canadian Cardiovascular Society angina grading scale
Killip classification
Rutherford classification
The NYHA functional classification categorizes heart failure based on symptom severity and limitation of physical activity, ranging from Class I (no symptoms) to Class IV (symptoms at rest). It aids in treatment decisions and prognostication. More info.
On ECG, a QT interval prolonged beyond what threshold is considered abnormal in men?
350 milliseconds
500 milliseconds
440 milliseconds
480 milliseconds
A corrected QT interval exceeding 440 ms in men is generally considered prolonged and may predispose to arrhythmias such as torsades de pointes. Thresholds can vary slightly by guideline, but 440 ms is widely used. Monitoring and avoiding QT-prolonging drugs is important in susceptible patients. More info.
Which congenital defect results in a continuous 'machinery' murmur and a left-to-right shunt?
Patent ductus arteriosus
Atrial septal defect
Tetralogy of Fallot
Ventricular septal defect
Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) creates a connection between the aorta and pulmonary artery leading to continuous left-to-right shunting and a characteristic 'machinery' murmur. If untreated, it can cause volume overload and pulmonary hypertension. More info.
What is the mechanism of action of class III antiarrhythmic drugs?
Class III antiarrhythmic agents primarily block potassium channels, which prolongs the repolarization phase (phase 3) of the cardiac action potential and increases the refractory period. This helps to terminate and prevent reentrant arrhythmias. Examples include amiodarone and sotalol. More info.
Which cardiomyopathy is characterized by asymmetric septal hypertrophy?
Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Dilated cardiomyopathy
Restrictive cardiomyopathy
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy often presents with asymmetric septal hypertrophy, where the interventricular septum is disproportionately thickened compared to the left ventricular wall. This can obstruct left ventricular outflow and cause diastolic dysfunction. It is frequently genetic in origin. More info.
In the context of Type II myocardial infarction, what is the primary underlying cause?
Coronary artery plaque rupture
Thromboembolism
Coronary vasospasm
Oxygen supply-demand mismatch
Type II myocardial infarction is due to an imbalance between myocardial oxygen supply and demand without acute atherothrombotic coronary artery plaque rupture. Causes may include anemia, hypotension, or tachyarrhythmias. Management focuses on correcting the underlying imbalance. More info.
What is the recommended treatment for torsades de pointes?
Amiodarone
Magnesium sulfate
Lidocaine
Beta-blockers
Intravenous magnesium sulfate is the first-line treatment for torsades de pointes, a polymorphic ventricular tachycardia associated with prolonged QT interval. Magnesium stabilizes the myocardium and helps terminate the arrhythmia. Removal of offending agents and correction of electrolyte abnormalities are also essential. More info.
What is the significance of an ankle-brachial index less than 0.9?
Indicative of aortic stenosis
Indicative of peripheral artery disease
Indicative of deep vein thrombosis
Indicative of pulmonary embolism
An ankle-brachial index (ABI) below 0.9 suggests peripheral artery disease (PAD), reflecting reduced blood flow to the lower extremities. ABI is obtained by comparing ankle and brachial systolic pressures. Early detection of PAD can guide management to reduce cardiovascular risk. More info.
What is the difference between preload and afterload?
Preload is end-diastolic volume, afterload is resistance the ventricle must overcome
Preload is heart rate, afterload is stroke volume
Preload is the pressure against ventricular ejection, afterload is the volume filling the heart
Preload is contractility, afterload is conduction velocity
Preload refers to the end-diastolic volume or ventricular wall stress before contraction, while afterload is the resistance or pressure the ventricle must overcome to eject blood. These factors critically influence stroke volume and cardiac performance. Understanding preload and afterload is key in managing heart failure and other conditions. More info.
In pericarditis, which ECG finding is most characteristic?
Diffuse ST-segment elevation and PR depression
ST-segment depression
Q waves in leads II, III, aVF
T-wave inversions in V1-V3
Acute pericarditis classically presents with diffuse concave ST-segment elevations across multiple leads along with reciprocal PR depressions. These changes reflect inflammation of the pericardium. Differentiation from myocardial infarction is essential for proper treatment. More info.
What is the half-life of Warfarin's anticoagulant effect largely determined by?
Half-lives of the clotting factors it inhibits
Renal excretion
Elimination of unchanged drug
Rapid hepatic metabolism
Warfarin exerts its effect by inhibiting vitamin K - dependent synthesis of clotting factors II, VII, IX, and X. Its anticoagulant half-life is largely determined by the varying half-lives of these clotting factors rather than elimination of the drug itself. This explains the delay and persistence of therapeutic effect. More info.
Which genetic mutation is most commonly associated with familial dilated cardiomyopathy?
TNNT2 gene mutation
SCN5A gene mutation
LMNA gene mutation
MYH7 gene mutation
Mutations in the LMNA gene, which encodes nuclear lamins A and C, are among the most common identifiable genetic causes of familial dilated cardiomyopathy. These mutations often present with conduction system disease and risk of sudden cardiac death. Genetic testing can guide family screening and management. More info.
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AI Study Notes
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Study Outcomes
Identify Key Cardiac Structures -
By answering targeted cardiology questions, you will be able to pinpoint heart anatomy components including chambers, valves, and major vessels.
Explain Cardiac Physiology Principles -
You will articulate fundamental processes such as the cardiac cycle, myocardial contraction, and blood flow dynamics.
Analyze Clinical Scenarios -
Engage with case-based cardiology questions and answers to interpret symptoms, diagnostic findings, and determine appropriate management steps.
Interpret ECG and Diagnostic Data -
Practice decoding ECG patterns and other key test results to support accurate clinical decision-making.
Evaluate Cardiovascular Risk Factors -
Assess common risk factors for heart disease and apply preventive strategies based on quiz feedback.
Reinforce Exam Readiness -
Use this cardiology quiz to benchmark your knowledge, build confidence, and prepare effectively for MCQ exams and professional assessments.
Cheat Sheet
Cardiac Action Potential Phases -
Review the five phases (0 - 4) of the ventricular action potential, especially the rapid upstroke (phase 0) and plateau (phase 2), since these form the basis of many cardiology questions and answers. Use the mnemonic "No People May Passive Rest" (0: Na+ influx, 1: Partial repolarization, 2: Ca2+ plateau, 3: K+ efflux, 4: Resting potential) to solidify your recall. Understanding these phases also helps you tackle ECG changes and drug effects in a cardiology MCQ exam.
ECG Lead Placement and Waveform Analysis -
Memorize standard limb and precordial lead positions and apply the "All Patients Take Meds" mnemonic for lead I, II, III, aVF to identify axis deviations in your cardiology quiz. Recognize P-wave morphology, PR interval, QRS width, and T-wave patterns to answer clinical scenario questions confidently. Accurate ECG interpretation underpins many cardiology MCQ exam items on arrhythmias and ischemia.
Hemodynamic Equations and Poiseuille's Law -
Solidify the relationship F = ΔP/R (cardiac output = (MAP - RAP)/TPR) and Poiseuille's equation Q = (πΔPr4)/(8ηl) for blood flow in vessels. Plug in values to practice sample problems - doubling vessel radius increases flow 16-fold! Mastering these formulas is essential for high-yield questions on vascular resistance and pharmacologic vasodilators in cardiology questions.
Myocardial Infarction Biomarkers Timeline -
Know the rise and fall: troponin I/T (3 - 24 h rise, remains elevated for 7 - 10 days) and CK-MB (4 - 6 h rise, normalizes by 48 - 72 h). Charting these windows helps distinguish reinfarction from initial injury, a staple scenario in cardiology questions and answers. Incorporate this timeline into flashcards to ace biomarker-related items on your cardiology MCQ exam.
Valvular Murmur Characteristics -
Use "MR PASS" (Mitral Regurgitation: Pansystolic; Aortic Stenosis: Systolic Ejection) and "ARMS" (Aortic Regurgitation: Murmur Diastolic, High-pitched; Mitral Stenosis: Opening Snap) to recall common valve lesions. Link murmur timing, pitch, and location with maneuvers like Valsalva to differentiate murmurs under pressure changes. This approach boosts your speed and accuracy on valvular heart disease items in a cardiology quiz.
