CARDIOLOGY BOARDS ABIM STUDY
GUIDE 2026 COMPLETE QUESTIONS
AND VERIFIED ANSWERS
◉ HCM treatment. Answer: Avoid high intensity activities
BB/nondihydropyridine CCB for HF symptoms
ICD for LV wall thickness >30mm (3 cm) or FH of SCD
Septal ablation or myectomy for valve gradient > 50mmHg and HF
symptoms refractory to medication
◉ Treatment for congenital prolonged QT syndrome. Answer: avoid
strenuous activities, electrolyte abnormalities
Avoid prolonging meds
Treat asymptomatic patient with BB to reduce chance of SCD
◉ Rheumatic fever. Answer: Can have recurrence if exposed to GAS
again and progression of valvular disease, thus patients should received
Penicillin G IMevery 3-4 weeks, duration depends on severity, but 5-10
years typically
◉ MS. Answer: low pitched diastolic rumble
Can have opening snap, occurs earlier in more severe disease
◉ Chemo that causes significant HTN. Answer: Bevacizumab
, ◉ Who should not take cilostazol?. Answer: Patients with CHF
◉ High risk procedures needing antibiotic ppx. Answer: Cardiac surgery
Respiratory tract surgery with biopsy
Dental procedures
Patient with GI/GU or MSK infection
◉ DAPT for DES placed for angina. Answer: 6 month minimum for
DAPT
◉ When to do MV repair for MR. Answer: Repair preferred over
replacement
1. Myxomatous degenerate of the mitral valve
2. Symptomatic MR
3. Asymptomatic patients with LVEF 30-60% or LVED diameter
>40mm
4. Asymptomatic patients with severe MR and new onset afib or PHTN.
5. Patients undergoing other cardiac surgery
Otherwise, serial exams every 6-12 months
◉ Cardiac myoxma presentation. Answer: Dyspnea, lightheadedness
Early diastolic sound
GUIDE 2026 COMPLETE QUESTIONS
AND VERIFIED ANSWERS
◉ HCM treatment. Answer: Avoid high intensity activities
BB/nondihydropyridine CCB for HF symptoms
ICD for LV wall thickness >30mm (3 cm) or FH of SCD
Septal ablation or myectomy for valve gradient > 50mmHg and HF
symptoms refractory to medication
◉ Treatment for congenital prolonged QT syndrome. Answer: avoid
strenuous activities, electrolyte abnormalities
Avoid prolonging meds
Treat asymptomatic patient with BB to reduce chance of SCD
◉ Rheumatic fever. Answer: Can have recurrence if exposed to GAS
again and progression of valvular disease, thus patients should received
Penicillin G IMevery 3-4 weeks, duration depends on severity, but 5-10
years typically
◉ MS. Answer: low pitched diastolic rumble
Can have opening snap, occurs earlier in more severe disease
◉ Chemo that causes significant HTN. Answer: Bevacizumab
, ◉ Who should not take cilostazol?. Answer: Patients with CHF
◉ High risk procedures needing antibiotic ppx. Answer: Cardiac surgery
Respiratory tract surgery with biopsy
Dental procedures
Patient with GI/GU or MSK infection
◉ DAPT for DES placed for angina. Answer: 6 month minimum for
DAPT
◉ When to do MV repair for MR. Answer: Repair preferred over
replacement
1. Myxomatous degenerate of the mitral valve
2. Symptomatic MR
3. Asymptomatic patients with LVEF 30-60% or LVED diameter
>40mm
4. Asymptomatic patients with severe MR and new onset afib or PHTN.
5. Patients undergoing other cardiac surgery
Otherwise, serial exams every 6-12 months
◉ Cardiac myoxma presentation. Answer: Dyspnea, lightheadedness
Early diastolic sound
