ABIM CARDIOLOGY QUESTIONS & ANSWERS 2026-2027 | LATEST BO… EXAM
P R O F E S S I O N A L P R A C T I C E M AT E R I A L S
ABIM Cardiology Questions
& Answers 2026-2027 |
Latest Board Exam Review
(Rationales)
Verified Answers Exam Ready With Rationales 112 QUESTIONS
DOCUMENT OVERVIEW
This comprehensive review document contains 112 cardiology board-style questions, each
paired with the correct answer and detailed rationales, including visual aids. It provides a
robust study tool for advanced cardiovascular medicine, directly aligning with the demands
of board certification preparation and in-depth review.
TOPICS
• Core Principles & Fundamentals • Essential Concepts & Terms
• Clinical & Practical Applications • Diagnostic & Assessment Methods
• Procedures & Interventions
E XA M Q U EST I O N S
Q1 QUESTION 1 OF 112
Giant Cell Myocarditis
Page 1
, CORRECT ANSWER
A young patient presents with acute-onset arrhythmias, elevated troponin, and intermittent AV
block. TTE shows biventricular dysfunction/heart failure. Diagnosis?
RATIONALE
Giant cell myocarditis is a rare, aggressive inflammatory condition of the heart muscle. It is
characterized by rapid onset of severe symptoms including arrhythmias, myocardial injury
indicated by elevated troponin, and conduction abnormalities like AV block.
Q2 QUESTION 2 OF 112
Supportive -- with BB, ACE/ARBs
CORRECT ANSWER
What is the treatment for Stress Cardiomyopathy?
(also referred to as takotsubo cardiomyopathy or apical ballooning syndrome)
RATIONALE
What is the treatment for Stress Cardiomyopathy?
(also referred to as takotsubo cardiomyopathy or apical ballooning syndrome), also known as
takotsubo cardiomyopathy or apical ballooning syndrome, is managed with supportive care. This
includes initiating beta-blockers (BB) and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE) or
angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) to reduce myocardial workload and prevent adverse
remodeling.
Q3 QUESTION 3 OF 112
Vagal maneuvers
(Valsalva and carotid sinus massage)
CORRECT ANSWER
First line treatment for supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) in a patient with normal blood
pressure?
Page 2
, RATIONALE
Vagal maneuvers, such as the Valsalva maneuver and carotid sinus massage, are the first-line
treatment for stable supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) because they can acutely increase
parasympathetic tone, slowing conduction through the atrioventricular (AV) node. This increased
vagal stimulation can terminate the reentrant circuit responsible for SVT.
Q4 QUESTION 4 OF 112
Adenosine
(in persistent SVT despite vagal maneuvers)
CORRECT ANSWER
Second line treatment for supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) in a patient with normal blood
pressure?
RATIONALE
Adenosine is a first-line pharmacologic agent for the treatment of supraventricular tachycardia
(SVT) when vagal maneuvers are unsuccessful. Its mechanism of action involves transiently
blocking AV nodal conduction, which can terminate reentrant SVT.
Q5 QUESTION 5 OF 112
Sedation and Cardioversion
CORRECT ANSWER
How do you treat supraventricular tachycardia in an unstable patient with low blood pressure?
RATIONALE
Unstable supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) with hypotension requires immediate intervention to
restore sinus rhythm and improve hemodynamic stability. Sedation is administered to ensure
patient comfort and cooperation during the cardioversion procedure.
Page 3
, Q6 QUESTION 6 OF 112
Sedation and Cardioversion
CORRECT ANSWER
Patient presents with hypotension and tachycardia. EKG as shown. Treatment?
RATIONALE
The patient's presentation of hypotension and tachycardia indicates hemodynamic instability,
which is a critical factor in determining the urgency and safety of cardioversion. In such unstable
patients, cardioversion is generally indicated to restore normal sinus rhythm and improve
hemodynamic status.
Q7 QUESTION 7 OF 112
</= 35%
2. LBBB
3. 120 - 150 ms or longer
CORRECT ANSWER
Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) (aka biventricular pacing) is indicated in patients with
an EF of ___1___% despite max GDMT and EKG showing ___2___ or a QRS complex of ___3___.
RATIONALE
Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is indicated for patients with reduced ejection fraction
(EF) who have specific electrocardiogram (EKG) findings. The criteria for CRT include an EF of less
than or equal to 35% despite maximal guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT), along with an
EKG showing Left Bundle Branch Block (LBBB) or a QRS complex duration of 120 to 150 milliseconds
or longer.
Page 4
P R O F E S S I O N A L P R A C T I C E M AT E R I A L S
ABIM Cardiology Questions
& Answers 2026-2027 |
Latest Board Exam Review
(Rationales)
Verified Answers Exam Ready With Rationales 112 QUESTIONS
DOCUMENT OVERVIEW
This comprehensive review document contains 112 cardiology board-style questions, each
paired with the correct answer and detailed rationales, including visual aids. It provides a
robust study tool for advanced cardiovascular medicine, directly aligning with the demands
of board certification preparation and in-depth review.
TOPICS
• Core Principles & Fundamentals • Essential Concepts & Terms
• Clinical & Practical Applications • Diagnostic & Assessment Methods
• Procedures & Interventions
E XA M Q U EST I O N S
Q1 QUESTION 1 OF 112
Giant Cell Myocarditis
Page 1
, CORRECT ANSWER
A young patient presents with acute-onset arrhythmias, elevated troponin, and intermittent AV
block. TTE shows biventricular dysfunction/heart failure. Diagnosis?
RATIONALE
Giant cell myocarditis is a rare, aggressive inflammatory condition of the heart muscle. It is
characterized by rapid onset of severe symptoms including arrhythmias, myocardial injury
indicated by elevated troponin, and conduction abnormalities like AV block.
Q2 QUESTION 2 OF 112
Supportive -- with BB, ACE/ARBs
CORRECT ANSWER
What is the treatment for Stress Cardiomyopathy?
(also referred to as takotsubo cardiomyopathy or apical ballooning syndrome)
RATIONALE
What is the treatment for Stress Cardiomyopathy?
(also referred to as takotsubo cardiomyopathy or apical ballooning syndrome), also known as
takotsubo cardiomyopathy or apical ballooning syndrome, is managed with supportive care. This
includes initiating beta-blockers (BB) and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE) or
angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) to reduce myocardial workload and prevent adverse
remodeling.
Q3 QUESTION 3 OF 112
Vagal maneuvers
(Valsalva and carotid sinus massage)
CORRECT ANSWER
First line treatment for supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) in a patient with normal blood
pressure?
Page 2
, RATIONALE
Vagal maneuvers, such as the Valsalva maneuver and carotid sinus massage, are the first-line
treatment for stable supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) because they can acutely increase
parasympathetic tone, slowing conduction through the atrioventricular (AV) node. This increased
vagal stimulation can terminate the reentrant circuit responsible for SVT.
Q4 QUESTION 4 OF 112
Adenosine
(in persistent SVT despite vagal maneuvers)
CORRECT ANSWER
Second line treatment for supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) in a patient with normal blood
pressure?
RATIONALE
Adenosine is a first-line pharmacologic agent for the treatment of supraventricular tachycardia
(SVT) when vagal maneuvers are unsuccessful. Its mechanism of action involves transiently
blocking AV nodal conduction, which can terminate reentrant SVT.
Q5 QUESTION 5 OF 112
Sedation and Cardioversion
CORRECT ANSWER
How do you treat supraventricular tachycardia in an unstable patient with low blood pressure?
RATIONALE
Unstable supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) with hypotension requires immediate intervention to
restore sinus rhythm and improve hemodynamic stability. Sedation is administered to ensure
patient comfort and cooperation during the cardioversion procedure.
Page 3
, Q6 QUESTION 6 OF 112
Sedation and Cardioversion
CORRECT ANSWER
Patient presents with hypotension and tachycardia. EKG as shown. Treatment?
RATIONALE
The patient's presentation of hypotension and tachycardia indicates hemodynamic instability,
which is a critical factor in determining the urgency and safety of cardioversion. In such unstable
patients, cardioversion is generally indicated to restore normal sinus rhythm and improve
hemodynamic status.
Q7 QUESTION 7 OF 112
</= 35%
2. LBBB
3. 120 - 150 ms or longer
CORRECT ANSWER
Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) (aka biventricular pacing) is indicated in patients with
an EF of ___1___% despite max GDMT and EKG showing ___2___ or a QRS complex of ___3___.
RATIONALE
Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is indicated for patients with reduced ejection fraction
(EF) who have specific electrocardiogram (EKG) findings. The criteria for CRT include an EF of less
than or equal to 35% despite maximal guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT), along with an
EKG showing Left Bundle Branch Block (LBBB) or a QRS complex duration of 120 to 150 milliseconds
or longer.
Page 4
