Physiological Adaptation Q 190

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Which of the following conditions is most closely associated with weight gain, nausea, and a decrease in urine output?

  

     A. Angina pectoris

     B. Cardiomyopathy

     C. Left-sided heart failure

     D. Right-sided heart failure

    

    

Correct Answer: D. Right-sided heart failure

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Weight gain, nausea, and a decrease in urine output are secondary effects of right-sided heart failure. Here the right ventricle of the heart is too weak to pump enough blood to the lungs. This causes blood to build up in the veins (the blood vessels that carry blood from the organs and tissue back to the heart). The increased pressure inside the veins can push fluid out of the veins into the surrounding tissue. This leads to a build-up of fluid in the legs, or less commonly in the genital area, organs or the abdomen (belly).

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Option A: Angina pectoris doesn’t cause weight gain, nausea, or a decrease in urine output. Angina is chest pain or discomfort caused when the heart muscle doesn’t get enough oxygen-rich blood. It may feel like pressure or squeezing in the chest. The discomfort also can occur in the shoulders, arms, neck, jaw, or back. Angina pain may even feel like indigestion.

Option B: Cardiomyopathy is usually identified as a symptom of left-sided heart failure. The left ventricle of the heart no longer pumps enough blood around the body. As a result, blood builds up in the pulmonary veins (the blood vessels that carry blood away from the lungs). This causes shortness of breath, trouble breathing, or coughing – especially during physical activity. Left-sided heart failure is the most common type.

Option C: Left-sided heart failure causes primarily pulmonary symptoms rather than systemic ones. Left-sided heart failure is usually caused by coronary artery disease (CAD), a heart attack, or long-term high blood pressure.

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