Florida State Paramedic Practice Exam

What condition is primarily caused by left ventricular failure?

1. COPD

2. Myocardial Infarction

3. Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)

4. Atrial Fibrillation

The correct answer is: Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)

The condition primarily caused by left ventricular failure is Congestive Heart Failure (CHF). In CHF, the heart's left ventricle cannot pump blood effectively. This inefficiency leads to a backup of blood in the lungs, causing pulmonary congestion and fluid accumulation. The left ventricle specifically is responsible for pumping oxygen-rich blood to the rest of the body, and when it fails, the body's organs and tissues do not receive adequate blood supply, leading to various symptoms associated with heart failure. These include shortness of breath, fatigue, and fluid retention, illustrating how left ventricular failure directly contributes to the development of CHF. Other conditions listed, while impactful on heart function or respiratory status, are not primarily a result of left ventricular failure. For example, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is primarily a lung condition and does not originate from cardiac dysfunction. Myocardial infarction refers to a heart attack and is a consequence of reduced blood flow to the heart muscle, while atrial fibrillation is an irregular heart rhythm that may stem from various causes, including but not limited to heart failure. Thus, CHF is the direct result of left ventricular failure.