Mr. T., a 45-year-old black man employed as a midlevel corporate manager, came to the doctor’s office seeking a physical examination. He appeared somewhat overweight. He denied taking any medications or smoking, but admitted drinking alcohol. His father and older brother have hypertension (HTN) and his paternal grandfather experienced a myocardial infarction (MI) and a CVA at a young age. Mr. T. stated, “A year ago at a health fair my cholesterol was tested. I was told later by mail that my cholesterol was 250 and I had to recheck my blood pressure.” His Bp at the time of his examination was 159/94, HR 96, weight 275, height 5’11 in.
Explain the progressive pathophysiologic relationship between an MI and the development of left ventricular (LV) failure.
What factors affect the severity of LV failure?
