AEMCA Practice Exam

What could happen if blood pools in a weakened left ventricle?

1. Increased oxygenation of blood

2. Formation of blood clots

3. Reduction in cardiac workload

4. Improved stroke volume

The correct answer is: Formation of blood clots

When blood pools in a weakened left ventricle, one of the primary concerns is the increased risk of formation of blood clots. A healthy heart functions to effectively pump blood throughout the body. However, if the left ventricle is weakened, it cannot contract efficiently, leading to stagnant blood flow within that chamber. This stagnation creates an environment where blood can clot, as the absence of movement increases the likelihood of platelets adhering to vessel walls and each other, forming clots. These clots can then dislodge and travel through the circulatory system, potentially leading to serious complications such as stroke or pulmonary embolism, depending on where they lodge. The pooling of blood not only raises the risk of thrombus formation but also exacerbates any underlying cardiac issues and affects the overall health and function of the cardiovascular system. In contrast, options such as increased oxygenation of blood, reduction in cardiac workload, or improved stroke volume are unlikely to occur when the ventricle is compromised. In fact, these scenarios would typically suggest enhanced heart function and efficiency, which does not align with the condition of blood pooling due to a weakened left ventricle. Hence, the focus on the risk of clot formation correctly identifies a significant consequence of this medical