Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) Practice Exam

Which of the following conditions is often linked to systemic hypertension?

1. Interstitial lung disease

2. Raynaud's phenomenon

3. Congestive heart failure

4. Dyspnea on exertion

The correct answer is: Congestive heart failure

Systemic hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, can significantly affect the cardiovascular system and is often linked to congestive heart failure. In congestive heart failure, the heart is unable to pump blood efficiently, leading to a backlog in the circulation which can result from prolonged high blood pressure. Chronic hypertension causes the heart muscles to thicken (left ventricular hypertrophy), which eventually can compromise the heart's performance, leading to heart failure symptoms. In contrast, interstitial lung disease typically relates to lung tissue damage rather than heart function and does not have a direct link to hypertension. Raynaud's phenomenon is a condition affecting blood flow to the fingers and toes and is generally not primarily associated with systemic blood pressure. Dyspnea on exertion can be a symptom of several conditions, including both heart and lung disorders, but it is not specifically a condition itself. Therefore, congestive heart failure is the most direct outcome of prolonged systemic hypertension, establishing a clear relationship in terms of pathophysiology and clinical outcomes.