Cardiology: stable angina therapy: practice question

A General Medicine question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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General Medicine · Cardiology: stable angina therapy

Sample item

In chronic stable angina, which statement about anti-anginal drugs is correct?

ARanolazine acts by blocking beta receptorsBBeta blockers are first-line, and ranolazine acts by inhibiting the late sodium currentCIvabradine increases heart rateDNitrates are the only drugs that improve prognosis

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

B. Beta blockers are first-line, and ranolazine acts by inhibiting the late sodium current

Beta blockers (or rate-limiting calcium blockers) are first-line anti-anginals because they reduce heart rate and contractility. Ranolazine inhibits the late sodium current without changing heart rate or blood pressure much. Ivabradine inhibits the If current in the sinus node and slows the rate.

Option by option

A. Ranolazine acts by blocking beta receptors
Ranolazine does not block beta receptors.
B. Beta blockers are first-line, and ranolazine acts by inhibiting the late sodium current (correct)
Correct. This pairs first-line therapy with the correct ranolazine mechanism.
C. Ivabradine increases heart rate
Ivabradine lowers sinus rate.
D. Nitrates are the only drugs that improve prognosis
Nitrates give symptom relief but no prognostic benefit.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

Questions about this General Medicine question

What is the answer to this General Medicine question?

The best answer is B, Beta blockers are first-line, and ranolazine acts by inhibiting the late sodium current. Beta blockers (or rate-limiting calcium blockers) are first-line anti-anginals because they reduce heart rate and contractility.

Why is "Ranolazine acts by blocking beta receptors" not the answer?

Ranolazine does not block beta receptors.

Why is "Ivabradine increases heart rate" not the answer?

Ivabradine lowers sinus rate.

Why is "Nitrates are the only drugs that improve prognosis" not the answer?

Nitrates give symptom relief but no prognostic benefit.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Cardiology: stable angina therapy in General Medicine. Ranolazine inhibits the late sodium current without changing heart rate or blood pressure much. Ivabradine inhibits the If current in the sinus node and slows the rate.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Cardiology: stable angina therapy?

For each disease know the classic presentation, the best test, and the first-line treatment. Then use the flashcards and the other General Medicine questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.