A 42-year-old female is diagnosed with constrictive pericarditis. She would also have a decreased cardiac output because of:
A) pericardial effusions.
B) fibrosis and calcification of the pericardial layers.
C) cardiomyopathy.
D) hemorrhage in the pericardial cavity.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Constrictive pericarditis involves fibrosis and calcification of the pericardial layers, which can restrict cardiac filling and decrease cardiac output. Pericardial effusions, cardiomyopathy, and hemorrhage in the pericardial cavity may all potentially affect cardiac output, but they are not the primary cause of decreased cardiac output in constrictive pericarditis.

A 42-Year-Old Female Is Diagnosed with Constrictive Pericarditis