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Quizzes > Health & Medicine > Diseases & Conditions

Cardiovascular Disease Quiz: How Well Do You Know Heart Health?

Think you can ace our heart health quiz? Dive in and test your skills!

Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
paper art heart with stethoscope and ECG waveform over golden yellow background with quiz prompt on cardiovascular health

This cardiovascular disease quiz helps you spot early signs, know major risk factors, and plan better daily care. Use it to find study gaps before an exam, or review your risk factors, then check your score with the quick heart quiz and the cardiac assessment .

What is the normal range for resting adult systolic blood pressure?
120-140 mmHg
140-160 mmHg
70-90 mmHg
90-120 mmHg
The normal resting adult systolic blood pressure is typically between 90 and 120 mmHg. Values above this range may indicate hypertension. Monitoring systolic pressure is crucial in assessing cardiovascular risk. For more information, see .
Which structure serves as the primary pacemaker of the heart?
Purkinje fibers
Atrioventricular (AV) node
Bundle of His
Sinoatrial (SA) node
The SA node, located in the right atrium, generates electrical impulses that set the pace for the heart rate. It is known as the heart's natural pacemaker. Impulses travel from the SA node to the AV node and through the conduction system, prompting coordinated contractions. Learn more at .
Which chamber of the heart receives deoxygenated blood from the body?
Right atrium
Right ventricle
Left ventricle
Left atrium
The right atrium receives deoxygenated blood from the superior and inferior vena cavae and directs it to the right ventricle. From there, blood is pumped to the lungs for oxygenation. Understanding chamber functions is essential for grasping cardiac circulation. More details at .
Which lipid is commonly referred to as 'bad' cholesterol?
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)
Chylomicrons
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
Triglycerides
LDL particles carry cholesterol to tissues and can deposit it in artery walls, contributing to atherosclerosis. Elevated LDL levels are linked to increased cardiovascular risk. HDL, in contrast, helps remove cholesterol and is considered 'good.' For more information, visit .
Which of the following is a non-modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease?
Age
Smoking
Obesity
Hypertension
Age is a non-modifiable risk factor because it cannot be changed. As people age, their risk for cardiovascular disease naturally increases. Smoking, hypertension, and obesity are modifiable factors that can be managed or reversed to reduce risk. See for more.
A common symptom of myocardial infarction is:
Leg cramps
Nausea alone
Headache
Chest pain or discomfort
Chest pain or discomfort, often described as pressure or squeezing, is the hallmark symptom of a myocardial infarction. Other symptoms may include shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, or radiating pain. Early recognition and treatment are critical. More details at .
What is the term for chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscle?
Pericarditis
Myocardial infarction
Aortic stenosis
Angina pectoris
Angina pectoris occurs when the coronary arteries do not supply enough oxygen-rich blood to meet the heart's demand, causing chest pain. It often presents during exertion or stress. Treatment aims to improve blood flow and relieve symptoms. Learn more at .
What does an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) primarily measure?
Cardiac muscle thickness
Valve movement
Blood flow velocity
Electrical activity of the heart
An ECG records the electrical impulses that trigger heartbeats, allowing clinicians to assess rhythm and detect abnormalities. It does not directly measure blood flow or mechanical action. It is a first-line tool in diagnosing arrhythmias and ischemia. For more, visit .
Which artery is commonly used to measure the pulse at the wrist?
Carotid artery
Femoral artery
Radial artery
Brachial artery
The radial artery runs along the thumb side of the wrist and is easily palpated for pulse assessment. It is a standard site for measuring heart rate. The carotid artery in the neck and brachial artery in the arm are used less frequently in routine checks. More at .
Which component of blood is primarily responsible for oxygen transport?
Platelets
White blood cells
Plasma
Red blood cells
Red blood cells contain hemoglobin, a protein that binds and carries oxygen from the lungs to tissues. White blood cells fight infection, platelets aid in clotting, and plasma is the fluid portion carrying nutrients and waste. Oxygen transport is critical for cellular metabolism. Learn more at .
Atherosclerosis is characterized by the buildup of which substance in arterial walls?
Plaque composed of lipids and fibrous tissue
Calcium phosphate only
Excessive red blood cells
Accumulated lactic acid
Atherosclerotic plaque consists of cholesterol, cellular debris, calcium, and fibrous tissue that accumulate in arterial walls. Over time, plaque narrows arteries, reducing blood flow and increasing risk of heart attack and stroke. Calcium phosphate alone does not form the primary plaque component. More details at .
Which of the following is a modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease?
Gender
Family history
Smoking
Age
Smoking is a modifiable risk factor because cessation reduces cardiovascular risk significantly. Gender, family history, and age are non-modifiable factors. Public health initiatives target smoking cessation to lower disease prevalence. See .
In an ECG tracing, the P wave represents:
Ventricular depolarization
Ventricular repolarization
Atrial repolarization
Atrial depolarization
The P wave reflects the depolarization of the atria as electrical impulses travel from the SA node through atrial muscle. Ventricular depolarization is represented by the QRS complex. Atrial repolarization is masked by the QRS complex. More at .
The left ventricle pumps oxygenated blood into which major blood vessel?
Aorta
Pulmonary vein
Pulmonary artery
Superior vena cava
The left ventricle contracts to send oxygen-rich blood into the aorta, the body's main artery, which distributes blood systemically. The pulmonary artery carries deoxygenated blood from the right ventricle to the lungs. The superior vena cava returns blood to the right atrium. Learn more at .
Bradycardia is defined as a resting heart rate below:
60 beats per minute
70 beats per minute
80 beats per minute
50 beats per minute
Bradycardia is a heart rate slower than 60 beats per minute in adults at rest. It may be normal in athletes or during sleep but can indicate pathology if symptomatic. Tachycardia is defined as a rate above 100 beats per minute. More at .
Which cardiac biomarker is most specific for detecting myocardial cell injury?
LDH
Myoglobin
CK-MB
Troponin I
Troponin I is highly specific to cardiac muscle and remains elevated longer after myocardial injury than CK-MB or myoglobin. This makes it the preferred marker for diagnosing myocardial infarction. Myoglobin and LDH are less specific, while CK-MB can be elevated in skeletal muscle injury. More details at .
The Framingham Risk Score estimates the risk of a cardiovascular event over the next:
1 year
20 years
5 years
10 years
The Framingham Risk Score uses factors like age, blood pressure, cholesterol, smoking, and diabetes to predict a 10-year risk of cardiovascular events. It helps guide preventive strategies. Shorter-term scores exist but the standard Framingham model is 10 years. See .
Which class of antihypertensive drugs reduces afterload by inhibiting angiotensin-converting enzyme?
Calcium channel blockers
Diuretics
ACE inhibitors
Beta-blockers
ACE inhibitors block the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, reducing vasoconstriction and afterload. They are first-line in many patients with hypertension and heart failure. Beta-blockers reduce heart rate and contractility, while diuretics lower volume. For more, visit .
Atrial fibrillation is characterized on ECG by:
Wide QRS complexes in a sawtooth pattern
Regular rhythm with prolonged PR interval
Regular rhythm with delta waves
Irregularly irregular rhythm without distinct P waves
Atrial fibrillation shows an irregularly irregular ventricular response and absence of distinct P waves due to chaotic atrial activity. Sawtooth patterns indicate atrial flutter, and delta waves suggest Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome. Recognizing fibrillation is crucial for stroke prevention. More at .
According to current guidelines, the LDL cholesterol goal for very high-risk patients is:
<70 mg/dL
<130 mg/dL
<100 mg/dL
<160 mg/dL
Patients with established cardiovascular disease or equivalent risk are advised to lower LDL cholesterol below 70 mg/dL to reduce event rates. Less stringent goals apply to lower-risk groups. Intensifying therapy is recommended when targets are not met. More at .
Which heart sound corresponds to the closure of the mitral and tricuspid valves?
S4
S2
S1
S3
S1 is produced by the closure of the atrioventricular valves (mitral and tricuspid) at the start of systole. S2 follows with semilunar valve closure. S3 and S4 are extra heart sounds associated with volume overload and stiff ventricles, respectively. More at .
Which valve is located between the left atrium and left ventricle?
Aortic valve
Tricuspid valve
Mitral valve
Pulmonic valve
The mitral valve, also called the bicuspid valve, controls blood flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle. The tricuspid valve sits on the right side of the heart. Aortic and pulmonic valves are located between the ventricles and arteries. More at .
Stroke volume is calculated as:
End-systolic volume minus end-diastolic volume
End-diastolic volume minus end-systolic volume
Heart rate multiplied by end-diastolic volume
Cardiac output divided by heart rate
Stroke volume equals the difference between the volume of blood in the ventricle at end-diastole and end-systole. Cardiac output is stroke volume times heart rate. Calculating SV is fundamental to evaluating myocardial performance. More details at .
Beta-blockers reduce heart rate by:
Inhibiting calcium channels
Blocking beta-1 adrenergic receptors
Increasing angiotensin II
Stimulating alpha receptors
Beta-1 receptor blockade reduces sympathetic stimulation of the heart, lowering heart rate and contractility. Calcium channel blockers act at L-type channels, and ACE inhibitors affect the renin - angiotensin system. Understanding receptor specificity guides therapy. Learn more at .
Which condition is characterized by chest pain reliably relieved by sublingual nitroglycerin?
Pericarditis
Unstable angina
Prinzmetal angina
Stable angina
Stable angina occurs predictably with exertion or stress and improves with rest or nitroglycerin, which dilates coronary vessels. Unstable angina is less predictable and more dangerous. Prinzmetal angina involves vasospasm. More at .
Cardiogenic shock is typically associated with:
Normal cardiac output with low vascular resistance
Low cardiac output with high systemic vascular resistance
High cardiac output with low vascular resistance
High cardiac output with high vascular resistance
In cardiogenic shock, pump failure leads to reduced cardiac output and compensatory vasoconstriction, raising systemic vascular resistance. This distinguishes it from distributive or hypovolemic shock. Prompt recognition and support are essential. See .
The most common arrhythmia leading to sudden cardiac death in adults is:
Ventricular fibrillation
Atrial flutter
Second-degree AV block
Atrial fibrillation
Ventricular fibrillation causes chaotic ventricular activity and is the leading arrhythmia in sudden cardiac death. Immediate defibrillation is required to restore organized rhythm. Atrial arrhythmias rarely cause sudden death. More at .
A common side effect of ACE inhibitor therapy is:
Dry cough
Hyperglycemia
Constipation
Hirsutism
ACE inhibitors can increase bradykinin levels, leading to a persistent dry cough in some patients. They also may cause hyperkalemia or fatigue but not typically hyperglycemia or hirsutism. Awareness of this side effect guides management. More at .
Which diagnostic test provides direct visualization of coronary artery blockages?
Stress echocardiogram
Cardiac MRI
Coronary angiography
CT scan of the chest
Coronary angiography uses catheter-based contrast injection to visualize arterial lumen and identify stenoses. Stress echocardiograms detect functional changes during exercise. Cardiac MRI and CT provide structural imaging but less direct luminal detail. Learn more at .
Which lipoprotein is known for transporting cholesterol from tissues back to the liver?
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)
Very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL)
Chylomicrons
HDL particles collect excess cholesterol from peripheral tissues and return it to the liver for excretion or recycling, a process known as reverse cholesterol transport. Elevated HDL levels are protective. LDL delivers cholesterol to tissues. See .
A hallmark sign of left-sided heart failure is:
Jugular venous distention
Hepatomegaly
Peripheral edema
Pulmonary edema
Left-sided heart failure causes fluid to back up into the pulmonary circulation, leading to pulmonary edema and dyspnea. Right-sided failure more commonly causes peripheral edema, jugular venous distention, and hepatomegaly. Recognizing sidedness guides treatment. More at .
What is the mechanism of action of statin medications in lipid management?
Inhibition of HMG-CoA reductase
Blocking intestinal cholesterol absorption
Activation of lipoprotein lipase
Upregulation of LDL receptors
Statins competitively inhibit HMG-CoA reductase, the rate-limiting enzyme in cholesterol synthesis, leading to decreased intracellular cholesterol and upregulation of LDL receptors. This results in lower plasma LDL levels. Ezetimibe blocks absorption, and fibrates activate lipoprotein lipase. More at .
According to the NYHA functional classification, Class III heart failure indicates:
Symptoms at rest
Limitation only during strenuous activity
No limitation of physical activity
Marked limitation of physical activity with symptoms on less than ordinary activity
NYHA Class III describes patients who have significant symptoms with less than ordinary activity but are comfortable at rest. Class I has no symptoms, Class II has mild limitation, and Class IV experiences symptoms even at rest. The classification guides management and prognosis. More at .
Which electrolyte disturbance is most associated with the development of Torsades de Pointes?
Hypomagnesemia
Hypocalcemia
Hypernatremia
Hyperkalemia
Low magnesium levels can prolong the QT interval, predisposing to the polymorphic ventricular tachycardia known as Torsades de Pointes. Correcting magnesium is a key treatment. Hypokalemia also contributes but magnesium is the primary factor. More at .
Which enzyme family degrades the fibrous cap of atherosclerotic plaques, promoting instability?
Matrix metalloproteinases
Lipoxygenases
Phospholipases
Cyclooxygenases
Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) produced by macrophages break down collagen in the fibrous cap, reducing plaque stability and increasing risk of rupture. Cyclooxygenases and lipoxygenases are involved in inflammatory mediator synthesis but not cap degradation. Learn more at .
What is a contraindication to non-selective beta-blocker therapy in cardiovascular disease?
Asthma
Stable angina
Hypertension
Post-MI state
Non-selective beta-blockers block beta-2 receptors in bronchial smooth muscle, risking bronchoconstriction in asthmatics. Hypertension, stable angina, and post-MI benefit from beta-blocker therapy. Cardioselective agents are preferred if asthma is present. More at .
Ejection fraction is calculated by:
(Stroke volume ÷ end-diastolic volume) × 100
(Cardiac output ÷ heart rate) × 100
(End-systolic volume ÷ stroke volume) × 100
(Stroke volume ÷ cardiac output) × 100
Ejection fraction represents the percentage of blood ejected from the ventricle each beat: stroke volume divided by end-diastolic volume, multiplied by 100%. Normal values are 55 - 70%. It assesses systolic function. More at .
A holosystolic murmur heard best at the left lower sternal border suggests:
Mitral stenosis
Pulmonic regurgitation
Aortic stenosis
Ventricular septal defect
A holosystolic murmur at the left lower sternal border is characteristic of a ventricular septal defect, as blood flows from left to right ventricle throughout systole. Aortic stenosis produces a crescendo-decrescendo systolic murmur at the right upper sternal border. More at .
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy most commonly features which structural change?
Global ventricular hypertrophy
Asymmetric septal hypertrophy
Right ventricular atrophy
Dilated left ventricle
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy often shows asymmetric thickening of the interventricular septum, which can obstruct outflow. Dilated and right-sided changes are more typical of other cardiomyopathies. Echocardiography confirms hypertrophy patterns. More at .
The gold standard for diagnosing pulmonary embolism is:
Ventilation-perfusion scan
Chest X-ray
D-dimer assay
CT pulmonary angiography
CT pulmonary angiography provides direct visualization of pulmonary arteries and can detect emboli with high sensitivity and specificity. V/Q scans and D-dimer tests are useful in certain contexts but are less definitive. Chest X-ray is non-specific. Learn more at .
Respiratory sinus arrhythmia refers to:
Fixed rate tachycardia
Ventricular ectopy during expiration
Heart rate variation with breathing
Atrial flutter seen on inspiration
Respiratory sinus arrhythmia is a normal phenomenon where heart rate increases during inspiration and decreases during expiration due to autonomic modulation. It reflects healthy vagal tone. It is not a pathological rhythm. More at .
In decompensated heart failure, B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels are typically:
Unchanged
Decreased
Variable
Elevated
BNP is released by ventricular myocytes in response to stretch and volume overload, so levels rise in acute or chronic decompensated heart failure. Elevated BNP assists in diagnosis and management. Decreasing levels suggest treatment efficacy. More at .
Familial hypercholesterolemia is most commonly caused by mutations in the:
PCSK9 gene
ApoA-I gene
LDL receptor gene
Lipoprotein lipase gene
Most cases of familial hypercholesterolemia are due to LDL receptor mutations leading to reduced clearance of LDL cholesterol. PCSK9 gain-of-function mutations also cause FH but are less common. ApoA-I and lipoprotein lipase affect other lipid pathways. More at .
Mitral stenosis in rheumatic heart disease most commonly results from:
Calcium deposition alone
Papillary muscle rupture
Thickening and fusion of valve leaflets
Vegetation formation on leaflets
Rheumatic heart disease leads to inflammation and scarring of the mitral valve, causing leaflet thickening and commissural fusion, which narrows the orifice. Vegetations are more typical of infective endocarditis. Papillary muscle rupture occurs in acute MI. More at .
Digoxin improves cardiac contractility by:
Activating beta-1 receptors
Inhibiting the Na+/K+ ATPase
Blocking calcium channels
Increasing cAMP breakdown
Digoxin binds and inhibits the myocardial Na+/K+ ATPase, increasing intracellular sodium and reducing the activity of the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger, which raises intracellular calcium and enhances contractility. It also has vagomimetic effects. More at .
An increase in afterload has what effect on stroke volume?
Increased stroke volume
Decreased stroke volume
No change in stroke volume
Variable effect depending on preload
Afterload represents the resistance the ventricle must overcome to eject blood. An increased afterload typically reduces stroke volume because the heart must work against greater pressure. Preload and contractility also affect stroke volume but afterload is inversely related. More at .
Which congenital heart defect often presents with a 'boot-shaped' heart on chest x-ray?
Patent ductus arteriosus
Tetralogy of Fallot
Transposition of the great arteries
Ventricular septal defect
Tetralogy of Fallot causes right ventricular hypertrophy, giving the heart a boot shape on radiographs. The four features include VSD, pulmonary stenosis, RV hypertrophy, and overriding aorta. The other defects have different radiographic appearances. More at .
In Eisenmenger syndrome, pulmonary hypertension leads to reversal of a congenital shunt because:
Systemic vascular resistance increases above pulmonary
Pulmonary vascular resistance exceeds systemic resistance
Right ventricular compliance improves
There is acute left heart failure
Chronic left-to-right shunts cause pulmonary vascular remodeling and hypertension. When pulmonary resistance surpasses systemic resistance, shunting reverses (right-to-left), causing cyanosis. This defines Eisenmenger physiology. More at .
Which ECG finding is characteristic of hyperkalemia?
Prolonged QT interval
Delta waves
Peaked T waves
Large U waves
Elevated serum potassium levels cause T waves to become tall, narrow, and peaked. As levels rise, QRS may widen and P waves flatten. U waves are more typical of hypokalemia. More at .
The pathophysiology of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is most closely linked to:
Viral infection of the myocardium
Coronary artery plaque rupture
Catecholamine surge causing myocardial stunning
Autoimmune myocarditis
Takotsubo cardiomyopathy involves temporary left ventricular dysfunction triggered by acute catecholamine release during stress, leading to myocardial stunning. It mimics MI but without obstructive coronary disease. Management is supportive. Learn more at .
Which cardiac biomarker peaks and returns to normal the earliest after myocardial infarction?
LDH
Troponin I
CK-MB
Myoglobin
CK-MB levels rise 3 - 6 hours after MI, peak at 12 - 24 hours, and return to baseline within 48 - 72 hours, making it useful for early reinfarction detection. Troponin is more specific but remains elevated longer. Myoglobin rises early but lacks specificity. More at .
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Study Outcomes

  1. Understand Cardiovascular System Fundamentals -

    After completing the cardiovascular disease quiz, learners will be able to describe the structure and function of the heart and blood vessels.

  2. Identify Major Risk Factors -

    Participants can distinguish between modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors for heart disease based on quiz questions.

  3. Analyze Common Disorders -

    Users will interpret clinical scenarios in the cardiovascular disorders quiz to recognize symptoms of conditions like hypertension and atherosclerosis.

  4. Evaluate Heart Health Myths -

    Learners will use evidence from the heart health quiz to debunk prevalent misconceptions about diet, exercise, and heart disease.

  5. Apply Preventive Strategies -

    After the cardiovascular health test, readers can recommend lifestyle changes and medical interventions to lower disease risk.

  6. Interpret Quiz Performance -

    Participants will analyze their heart disease practice test results to identify knowledge gaps and direct further study.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Cardiac Cycle & Conduction System -

    Understand the phases of systole and diastole and how blood flows through the atria and ventricles. Remember the formula for cardiac output: CO = HR × SV (heart rate times stroke volume), a cornerstone in hemodynamics (source: American Heart Association). Use the mnemonic "SA-AV-Bundle-Purkinje" to recall the conduction pathway quickly.

  2. Modifiable vs. Non-Modifiable Risk Factors -

    Differentiate fixed risks like age, genetics, and sex from controllable factors such as hypertension, smoking, and high LDL cholesterol (source: Mayo Clinic). Apply the Framingham Risk Score to estimate 10-year cardiovascular risk. A helpful tip is the "ABCs" of prevention: A1c control, Blood pressure management, and Cholesterol monitoring.

  3. Common Cardiovascular Disorders -

    Review key conditions such as atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, angina, heart failure, and arrhythmias (source: Journal of the American College of Cardiology). Know the clinical distinctions - STEMI vs. NSTEMI for infarcts and systolic vs. diastolic failure. Visualizing plaque buildup in coronary arteries can cement the concept of ischemic heart disease.

  4. ECG Interpretation Basics -

    Identify P waves (atrial depolarization), the QRS complex (ventricular depolarization), and the T wave (ventricular repolarization) on a standard 12-lead ECG (source: University physiology text). Calculate intervals - PR (0.12 - 0.20 s) and QT (≤0.44 s) - to spot conduction delays. Use the rhyme "P before Q, QRS asks who's in charge, then T sets you free" as a quick check.

  5. Preventive Strategies & Lifestyle Modifications -

    Embrace the Mediterranean diet, aim for ≥150 minutes of moderate exercise per week, and eliminate tobacco to slash cardiovascular risk (source: World Health Organization). Monitor weight, blood pressure, and fasting lipids regularly, setting SMART goals for each metric. Recall "HEART" habits: Healthy diet, Exercise, Avoid smoking, Regular checkups, Track metrics.

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