Cardiology: hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: 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.

Try it

General Medicine · Cardiology: hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Sample item

Which statement about hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is correct?

AIt is autosomal dominant from sarcomere gene mutations and is the commonest cause of sudden death in young athletesBIt is treated with vasodilators and digoxinCIt is X-linked recessiveDIt shows thin dilated ventricular walls

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. It is autosomal dominant from sarcomere gene mutations and is the commonest cause of sudden death in young athletes

HCM is inherited as autosomal dominant, most often through beta-myosin heavy chain or myosin-binding protein C mutations. It is a leading cause of sudden cardiac death in young athletes. Vasodilators, diuretics in excess and digoxin worsen outflow obstruction.

Option by option

A. It is autosomal dominant from sarcomere gene mutations and is the commonest cause of sudden death in young athletes (correct)
Correct. This summarises inheritance and sudden death risk.
B. It is treated with vasodilators and digoxin
Vasodilators and inotropes increase the gradient.
C. It is X-linked recessive
Inheritance is autosomal dominant, not X-linked.
D. It shows thin dilated ventricular walls
Wall thickening, not thinning, is characteristic.

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 A, It is autosomal dominant from sarcomere gene mutations and is the commonest cause of sudden death in young athletes. HCM is inherited as autosomal dominant, most often through beta-myosin heavy chain or myosin-binding protein C mutations.

Why is "It is treated with vasodilators and digoxin" not the answer?

Vasodilators and inotropes increase the gradient.

Why is "It is X-linked recessive" not the answer?

Inheritance is autosomal dominant, not X-linked.

Why is "It shows thin dilated ventricular walls" not the answer?

Wall thickening, not thinning, is characteristic.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Cardiology: hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in General Medicine. It is a leading cause of sudden cardiac death in young athletes. Vasodilators, diuretics in excess and digoxin worsen outflow obstruction.

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: hypertrophic cardiomyopathy?

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.