A 67-Year-Old Man Is Brought to the Emergency Department Due

A 67-year-old man is brought to the emergency department due to progressive shortness of breath.  He has had decreasing exercise tolerance for several months, and over the last week he could barely walk to the bathroom without becoming short of breath.  The patient has been sleeping in a semirecumbent position recently.  Medical history includes type 2 diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, and a myocardial infarction 3 years ago.  He takes no medications.  The patient does not drink alcohol or use tobacco products.  BMI is 30 kg/m².  Oxygen saturation is 92% on room air.  The apical impulse is palpated in the 6th intercostal space along the anterior axillary line.  There is 3+ bilateral pitting edema in the legs.  Which of the following is most likely increased in this patient?

A) Arteriolar resistance
B) Lung compliance
C) Mixed venous O₂ content
D) Renal perfusion
E) Stroke volume

Correct Answer:

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