A 60-year-old female had a myocardial infarction. She was brought to the hospital 30 minutes later. She survived but now has impaired ventricular function because:
A) there is a temporary alteration in electrolyte balance.
B) there is too much stress on the heart.
C) the cells become hypertrophic.
D) the resulting ischemia leads to hypoxic injury and myocardial cell death.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When a myocardial infarction occurs, there is a decreased blood flow to the heart muscle. This ischemia leads to hypoxic injury, which can result in the death of myocardial cells. This can then lead to impaired ventricular function. Options A and C may occur in response to a myocardial infarction, but they are not the primary cause of impaired ventricular function. Option B is not a direct cause of impaired ventricular function, although chronic stress on the heart can lead to heart failure over time.

A 60-Year-Old Female Had a Myocardial Infarction