Unlocking Success: The Ultimate Guide to A+
Graded Canfitpro Exam Prep 2025 with
Comprehensive Questions and Verified Solutions.
A Comprehensive Exam Study Guide Latest
Updated 2025/2026
Describe four general treatment measures for cardiac disorders. dietary modification;
exercise program;
cessation of smoking;
drug therapy
3. Identify ten risk factors for developing atherosclerosis. Indicate which ones are modifiable
and which ones are not. Note that these are the same risk factors for heart disease. • age—
cannot be changed
• gender—cannot be changed
• genetic or familial factors—cannot be changed
• obesity—modifiable
• cigarette smoking—modifiable
• sedentary lifestyle—modifiable
• diabetes mellitus—modifiable
• poorly controlled hypertension—modifiable
• oral contraceptives and smoking in combination— modifiable
• high cholesterol and hypertension—modifiable
Describe the process of atheroma formation, from the initial fatty streaks in the arterial wall
intima to a complicated plaque. • Endothelial injury happens in the artery, often at a
young age.
• Inflammation and elevation of C-reactive protein develop.
• White blood cells, especially monocytes and macrophages, accumulate.
• Lipid accumulates in the intima or inner lining of the artery and media or muscle layer.
• A plaque forms, and inflammation persists.
• Platelets adhere to damaged surface, forming a thrombus and partial obstruction.
• Lipid continues to build up at the site of injury, along with fibrous tissue (atheroma).
• Platelets adhere and prostaglandins release, causing further inflammation and vasospasm.
• Process continues with larger thrombus formation, potential for total occlusion, and
possibility of embolism.
Describe the significance of plaque formation, including five potential complications of
atherosclerosis. Development of atheromatous plaques narrows the lumen of arteries
restricting flow, causing turbulence, thrombus formation, and potential embolism. The
atheroma also damages the arterial wall, weakening the structure and decreasing elasticity,
and ultimately may calcify, causing further rigidity.
Complications include: 1) thrombus formation, with partial (angina) or 2) total occlusion,
precipitating a myocardial infarction, 3) embolism and infarction (stroke and peripheral
vascular damage), 4) aneurysm, or 5) rupture and hemorrhage.
Which vessels are affected by atherosclerosis? primarily large arteries particularly at
bifurcations—aorta, coronary, iliac, carotids
Describe common therapeutic interventions, to include lifestyle changes, used in the
treatment of atherosclerosis. i. Maintain weight at healthy levels to reduce the risk for
metabolic syndrome, hypertension, and atherosclerosis.
ii. Lower serum cholesterol and LDL in diet by reducing the intake of saturated fats and using
unsaturated or vegetable oils; high dietary fiber intake also decreases LDL.
,Unlocking Success: The Ultimate Guide to A+
Graded Canfitpro Exam Prep 2025 with
Comprehensive Questions and Verified Solutions.
A Comprehensive Exam Study Guide Latest
Updated 2025/2026
iii. Minimize sodium intake to control hypertension.
iv. Control primary disorders such as diabetes and hypertension.
v. Cease smoking.
vi. Exercise appropriate for age and health status to promote collateral circulation and reduce
LDL levels.
vii. Oral anticoagulant therapy can be used in case of thrombus formation concern.
viii. Surgical intervention may be necessary.
antilipidemics or lipid-lowering drugs lower cholesterol and LDL levels
platelet inhibitors lower platelet aggregation, leading to a lower chance of thrombosis
and thus leading to a lower chance of heart attacks and strokes
anticoagulants interfere with clotting factor synthesis (warfarin) or inhibit thrombin formation
(heparin), leading to a lower chance of thrombosis and a lower chance of heart attacks and
strokes
antihypertensives help decrease cardiac workload
What type of surgical interventions can be used in advanced atheromas? percutaneous
transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA);
coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG); laser angioplasty
Define angina pectoris Chest pain resulting from a myocardial oxygen demand that is
not met by adequate oxygen supply; seen in patient with myocardial ischemia
What is the underlying pathology involved in angina pectoris? • when there is decreased
blood supply (oxygen) to the heart, due to either arterial obstruction or spasm or
• when there is increased demand for oxygen by the heart or
• when there is a combination of factor
Identify disorders that may cause or predispose an individual to angina. atherosclerosis
arteriosclerosis vasospasm myocardial hypertrophy severe anemias respiratory disease
What is the most serious complication of angina pectoris? myocardial infarction
smoking a cigarette or being exposed to secondhand smoke smoke causes vasoconstriction,
leading to increased venous return and increased heart rate
going from a warm environment into the cold vasoconstriction, leading to increased
venous return and increased heart rate
engaging in an argument or other stressful behavior sympathetic stimulation increases heart
rate
exercise, such as climbing a flight of stairs or rushing to catch a bus increases heart
rate due to increased O2 demands
Describe the classic manifestations of an anginal attack. What is the usual duration of an
anginal attack? The classic manifestations are recurrent, intermittent brief episodes of
substernal chest pain, described as a tightness or pressure that may radiate to the neck or left
arm. An anginal attack usually lasts a few seconds or minutes
What type of drug is used to treat an acute anginal attack? Explain how these drugs relieve
chest pain. Coronary vasodilators, such as nitroglycerin, act by reducing systemic
resistance, thus decreasing the demand for oxygen. Some vasodilators also relieve arterial
vasospasm. Nitroglycerin has an immediate onset of action.
how would to administer nitroglycerin? sublingual
, Unlocking Success: The Ultimate Guide to A+
Graded Canfitpro Exam Prep 2025 with
Comprehensive Questions and Verified Solutions.
A Comprehensive Exam Study Guide Latest
Updated 2025/2026
Outline the management of an anginal attack. 1. let pt rest, stop activity
2. seat pt in an UPRIGHT position
3. give nitroglycerine sublingually
4. check pulse and respiration
5. give oxygen if necessary
6. for a pt with known angina the AHA recommends a second dose of ntg if pain persists for
more than 5 minutes. After 3 doses w/in a 10 minute period and no relief it should be treated
as MI. Call for emergency medical intervention
7. For pt w/o hx of angina emergency medical aid should be sought after 2 minutes w/o relief
When should emergency medical services (EMS) be requested? • if pain is not relieved
with rest and administration of three doses of nitroglycerin spaced 5 minutes apart (i.e., after
10 minutes)
• for individual with no history of angina, if pain is unrelieved within 2 minutes
List other types of medication that might be prescribed for an individual with angina, and
explain the rationale for each. • antihypertensive to lower blood pressure and cardiac
workload
• diuretic to help control blood pressure and prevent edema
• platelet inhibitor to lower platelet aggregation and the chance of thrombus formation
• antihyperlidemic to lower blood cholesterol and LDL levels and hopefully slow or arrest
progression of atherosclerosis
Identify surgical interventions that might be used in the treatment of angina.
angioplasty and stent insertion; coronary bypass graft
Describe nonpharmacologic interventions that could help to control angina. • Avoid
situations known to precipitates attacks (e.g., stress).
• Stop smoking.
• Consume diet low in saturated and trans-fats.
• Restrict sodium intake.
• Lose weight if overweight.
• Engage in a consistent exercise program.
• Reduce stress.
A patient states that he has angina pectoris. Identify additional information that should be
obtained from this individual. How long has the individual had angina?
How frequent are the attacks?
When was the last one?
What are the known precipitating factors?
What is the individual's response to nitroglycerin?
Does the individual have nitroglycerin with him or her?
Identify measures that would help decrease the chance of an individual experiencing an
anginal attack. • stress reduction—explanations and reassurance
• prophylactic use of nitroglycerin
Define myocardial infarction (MI). death of cardiac muscle resulting from prolonged
ischemia
Graded Canfitpro Exam Prep 2025 with
Comprehensive Questions and Verified Solutions.
A Comprehensive Exam Study Guide Latest
Updated 2025/2026
Describe four general treatment measures for cardiac disorders. dietary modification;
exercise program;
cessation of smoking;
drug therapy
3. Identify ten risk factors for developing atherosclerosis. Indicate which ones are modifiable
and which ones are not. Note that these are the same risk factors for heart disease. • age—
cannot be changed
• gender—cannot be changed
• genetic or familial factors—cannot be changed
• obesity—modifiable
• cigarette smoking—modifiable
• sedentary lifestyle—modifiable
• diabetes mellitus—modifiable
• poorly controlled hypertension—modifiable
• oral contraceptives and smoking in combination— modifiable
• high cholesterol and hypertension—modifiable
Describe the process of atheroma formation, from the initial fatty streaks in the arterial wall
intima to a complicated plaque. • Endothelial injury happens in the artery, often at a
young age.
• Inflammation and elevation of C-reactive protein develop.
• White blood cells, especially monocytes and macrophages, accumulate.
• Lipid accumulates in the intima or inner lining of the artery and media or muscle layer.
• A plaque forms, and inflammation persists.
• Platelets adhere to damaged surface, forming a thrombus and partial obstruction.
• Lipid continues to build up at the site of injury, along with fibrous tissue (atheroma).
• Platelets adhere and prostaglandins release, causing further inflammation and vasospasm.
• Process continues with larger thrombus formation, potential for total occlusion, and
possibility of embolism.
Describe the significance of plaque formation, including five potential complications of
atherosclerosis. Development of atheromatous plaques narrows the lumen of arteries
restricting flow, causing turbulence, thrombus formation, and potential embolism. The
atheroma also damages the arterial wall, weakening the structure and decreasing elasticity,
and ultimately may calcify, causing further rigidity.
Complications include: 1) thrombus formation, with partial (angina) or 2) total occlusion,
precipitating a myocardial infarction, 3) embolism and infarction (stroke and peripheral
vascular damage), 4) aneurysm, or 5) rupture and hemorrhage.
Which vessels are affected by atherosclerosis? primarily large arteries particularly at
bifurcations—aorta, coronary, iliac, carotids
Describe common therapeutic interventions, to include lifestyle changes, used in the
treatment of atherosclerosis. i. Maintain weight at healthy levels to reduce the risk for
metabolic syndrome, hypertension, and atherosclerosis.
ii. Lower serum cholesterol and LDL in diet by reducing the intake of saturated fats and using
unsaturated or vegetable oils; high dietary fiber intake also decreases LDL.
,Unlocking Success: The Ultimate Guide to A+
Graded Canfitpro Exam Prep 2025 with
Comprehensive Questions and Verified Solutions.
A Comprehensive Exam Study Guide Latest
Updated 2025/2026
iii. Minimize sodium intake to control hypertension.
iv. Control primary disorders such as diabetes and hypertension.
v. Cease smoking.
vi. Exercise appropriate for age and health status to promote collateral circulation and reduce
LDL levels.
vii. Oral anticoagulant therapy can be used in case of thrombus formation concern.
viii. Surgical intervention may be necessary.
antilipidemics or lipid-lowering drugs lower cholesterol and LDL levels
platelet inhibitors lower platelet aggregation, leading to a lower chance of thrombosis
and thus leading to a lower chance of heart attacks and strokes
anticoagulants interfere with clotting factor synthesis (warfarin) or inhibit thrombin formation
(heparin), leading to a lower chance of thrombosis and a lower chance of heart attacks and
strokes
antihypertensives help decrease cardiac workload
What type of surgical interventions can be used in advanced atheromas? percutaneous
transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA);
coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG); laser angioplasty
Define angina pectoris Chest pain resulting from a myocardial oxygen demand that is
not met by adequate oxygen supply; seen in patient with myocardial ischemia
What is the underlying pathology involved in angina pectoris? • when there is decreased
blood supply (oxygen) to the heart, due to either arterial obstruction or spasm or
• when there is increased demand for oxygen by the heart or
• when there is a combination of factor
Identify disorders that may cause or predispose an individual to angina. atherosclerosis
arteriosclerosis vasospasm myocardial hypertrophy severe anemias respiratory disease
What is the most serious complication of angina pectoris? myocardial infarction
smoking a cigarette or being exposed to secondhand smoke smoke causes vasoconstriction,
leading to increased venous return and increased heart rate
going from a warm environment into the cold vasoconstriction, leading to increased
venous return and increased heart rate
engaging in an argument or other stressful behavior sympathetic stimulation increases heart
rate
exercise, such as climbing a flight of stairs or rushing to catch a bus increases heart
rate due to increased O2 demands
Describe the classic manifestations of an anginal attack. What is the usual duration of an
anginal attack? The classic manifestations are recurrent, intermittent brief episodes of
substernal chest pain, described as a tightness or pressure that may radiate to the neck or left
arm. An anginal attack usually lasts a few seconds or minutes
What type of drug is used to treat an acute anginal attack? Explain how these drugs relieve
chest pain. Coronary vasodilators, such as nitroglycerin, act by reducing systemic
resistance, thus decreasing the demand for oxygen. Some vasodilators also relieve arterial
vasospasm. Nitroglycerin has an immediate onset of action.
how would to administer nitroglycerin? sublingual
, Unlocking Success: The Ultimate Guide to A+
Graded Canfitpro Exam Prep 2025 with
Comprehensive Questions and Verified Solutions.
A Comprehensive Exam Study Guide Latest
Updated 2025/2026
Outline the management of an anginal attack. 1. let pt rest, stop activity
2. seat pt in an UPRIGHT position
3. give nitroglycerine sublingually
4. check pulse and respiration
5. give oxygen if necessary
6. for a pt with known angina the AHA recommends a second dose of ntg if pain persists for
more than 5 minutes. After 3 doses w/in a 10 minute period and no relief it should be treated
as MI. Call for emergency medical intervention
7. For pt w/o hx of angina emergency medical aid should be sought after 2 minutes w/o relief
When should emergency medical services (EMS) be requested? • if pain is not relieved
with rest and administration of three doses of nitroglycerin spaced 5 minutes apart (i.e., after
10 minutes)
• for individual with no history of angina, if pain is unrelieved within 2 minutes
List other types of medication that might be prescribed for an individual with angina, and
explain the rationale for each. • antihypertensive to lower blood pressure and cardiac
workload
• diuretic to help control blood pressure and prevent edema
• platelet inhibitor to lower platelet aggregation and the chance of thrombus formation
• antihyperlidemic to lower blood cholesterol and LDL levels and hopefully slow or arrest
progression of atherosclerosis
Identify surgical interventions that might be used in the treatment of angina.
angioplasty and stent insertion; coronary bypass graft
Describe nonpharmacologic interventions that could help to control angina. • Avoid
situations known to precipitates attacks (e.g., stress).
• Stop smoking.
• Consume diet low in saturated and trans-fats.
• Restrict sodium intake.
• Lose weight if overweight.
• Engage in a consistent exercise program.
• Reduce stress.
A patient states that he has angina pectoris. Identify additional information that should be
obtained from this individual. How long has the individual had angina?
How frequent are the attacks?
When was the last one?
What are the known precipitating factors?
What is the individual's response to nitroglycerin?
Does the individual have nitroglycerin with him or her?
Identify measures that would help decrease the chance of an individual experiencing an
anginal attack. • stress reduction—explanations and reassurance
• prophylactic use of nitroglycerin
Define myocardial infarction (MI). death of cardiac muscle resulting from prolonged
ischemia
