Cardiac Medicine Certification (CMC) Practice Exam

Which of the following is NOT a symptom of left ventricular dysfunction?

1. Elevated heart rate

2. Increased urine output

3. Decreased blood pressure

4. Presence of S3 heart sound

The correct answer is: Increased urine output

In the context of left ventricular dysfunction, increased urine output typically does not align with the expected physiological responses. In heart failure, particularly with left ventricular dysfunction, the heart's ability to pump effectively is compromised. This insufficiency often leads to fluid retention due to decreased renal perfusion. Consequently, patients usually experience decreased urine output, not an increase. On the other hand, elevated heart rate is a compensatory mechanism that can occur in response to decreased cardiac output. Similarly, the presence of an S3 heart sound can indicate volume overload and is often observed in cases of heart failure. Decreased blood pressure is also a common symptom due to impaired cardiac function. Thus, increased urine output stands out as the one that does not fit the profile of symptoms typically associated with left ventricular dysfunction.