American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

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What is one of the common symptoms that may indicate the need for intervention in mitral regurgitation?

Chest pain
Fatigue
Dyspnea
Palpitations

The correct answer is: Dyspnea

In mitral regurgitation, the backflow of blood into the left atrium during ventricular contraction can lead to volume overload of the heart. One of the common symptoms that may indicate the need for intervention is dyspnea, or shortness of breath. This occurs because the increased blood volume in the left atrium can lead to pulmonary congestion and increased pressure in the pulmonary circulation, making it difficult for the patient to breathe, especially during exertion or when lying flat. Dyspnea can signify that the patient's condition is deteriorating or that the heart is struggling to cope with the excessive volume load, which is why it is taken seriously as an indication for potential intervention. Identifying and addressing this symptom is crucial as it directly impacts the patient's quality of life and functional capacity, and it often signifies the progression of the disease.