A 21-Year-Old Man Comes to the Office Due to Multiple

A 21-year-old man comes to the office due to multiple episodes of syncope.  The patient has no chest discomfort or dyspnea.  He has no known medical problems and does not use tobacco, alcohol, or illicit drugs.  The patient is a computer analyst and leads a mostly sedentary lifestyle.  He reports that several family members have died of sudden cardiac death.  Genetic analysis reveals an ion channel defect.  Due to the defect, cardiac cells show decreased outward potassium flow and resultant prolongation of the action potential.  Which of the following is the most likely consequence of this patient's disease?

A) Abnormal anatomic communication between cardiac chambers
B) Asymmetric hypertrophy of the left ventricle
C) Ischemic myocardial necrosis followed by scarring
D) Left ventricular dilation and systolic dysfunction
E) Ventricular tachycardia and sudden death

Correct Answer:

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