A 73-Year-Old Man Is Evaluated for Exertional Dyspnea

question 212

Multiple Choice

A 73-year-old man is evaluated for exertional dyspnea.  His exercise tolerance has decreased over the last year, and he can barely walk 2-3 blocks without stopping.  The patient also reports occasional episodes of lightheadedness and palpitations.  He has had no chest pain or syncope.  He was diagnosed with hypertension in the past but does not take any medications.  Physical examination reveals a cardiac murmur.  The patient is referred to a cardiologist for further evaluation.  Cardiac catheterization is performed, and the findings are shown in the image below.  Which of the following points most likely corresponds to the peak murmur intensity in this patient?

• A)A
• B)B
• C)C
• D)D

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Definitions:

Slope

Mathematically, the rate of change or gradient of a line, representing the ratio of the vertical change to the horizontal change between two points on the line.

Regression Analysis

A statistical method for examining the relationship between a dependent variable and one or more independent variables.

Statistical Models

Representations of complex systems through mathematical formulas and algorithms based on statistical principles.

Dependent Variable

The variable in an experiment or study that is expected to change in response to changes in another variable (the independent variable).