Heart Failure

Which of the following medications is a cornerstone in the management of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF)?

• Verapamil

• Digoxin

• Lisinopril

• Hydrochlorothiazide

Which beta-blocker has been shown to improve survival in patients with HFrEF?

• Atenolol

• Propranolol

• Carvedilol

• Metoprolol tartrate

What is the primary role of loop diuretics (e.g., furosemide) in heart failure management?

• Improve survival

• Reduce hospital admissions

• Control fluid overload and relieve symptoms

• Reverse left ventricular remodeling

A 65-year-old male with HFrEF (EF 35%) is currently stable on lisinopril 10 mg daily. The cardiologist plans to switch him to sacubitril/valsartan (Entresto). What is the most appropriate next step?

• Stop lisinopril and start Entresto immediately

• Reduce lisinopril dose to 5 mg and add Entresto on the same day

• Wait 36 hours after stopping lisinopril before starting Entresto

• Start Entresto only if the EF drops below 30%

Which of the following diabetes medications has shown cardiovascular benefit in patients with type 2 diabetes and established ASCVD?

• Empagliflozin

• Glipizide

• Acarbose

• Pioglitazone

A 56-year-old man with a 10-year history of type 2 diabetes presents for follow-up. He is currently taking metformin and glipizide, but his HbA1c is 11%.

• Increase the dose of glipizide

• Add a DPP-4 inhibitor

• Add pioglitazone

• Start basal insulin therapy

According to most clinical guidelines (e.g., ADA), what is the general target HbA1c for non-pregnant adults with type 2 diabetes to reduce microvascular complications?

• <5.5%

• <6%

• <7%

• <10%