A 42-Year-Old Man Comes to the Emergency Department Due to Acute-Onset

A 42-year-old man comes to the emergency department due to acute-onset shortness of breath.  He has no medical conditions and does not use alcohol, tobacco, or illicit drugs.  The patient works as a box handler at a warehouse and has excellent exercise tolerance.  Family history is insignificant.  Blood pressure is 98/60 mm Hg and pulse is 112/min and regular.  A short systolic murmur is heard at the apex.  Bilateral crackles are present on lung auscultation.  Bedside echocardiography reveals a flail posterior mitral leaflet due to chordal rupture and severe mitral regurgitation.  Which of the following best reflects this patient's left ventricular hemodynamics compared to the normal heart?

A) Afterload decrease, preload decrease, ejection fraction decrease
B) Afterload decrease, preload increase, ejection fraction increase
C) Afterload increase, preload decrease, ejection fraction decrease
D) Afterload increase, preload decrease, ejection fraction increase
E) Afterload increase, preload increase, ejection fraction increase

Correct Answer:

Verified

Unlock this answer now
Get Access to more Verified Answers free of charge

Access For Free