Reference no: EM133934901

A 28-year-old mother of two was referred to a Cardiovascular Study Clinic with shortness of breath, and exertional chest pain, particularly when running after her children (pain described as an 8 out of 10). She is 5'6", 127 lbs. She reports multiple episodes of syncope (brief loss of consciousness) in the past 6 months. Over the previous two months, her symptoms have steadily worsened until she is now concerned as she is unable to adequately care for her children. Three years ago, during her last pregnancy, her OB-GYN physician thought she heard a mild heart murmur, but she was uncertain if was simply related to the pregnancy. The patient was instructed to follow up with a cardiologist after completion of her pregnancy, but she failed to do so. The patient is adopted and does not have any information regarding family history.

Test Results:

The patient's vital signs and physical examination included the following:
Blood pressure was 100/67 mm Hg
Resting heart rate was 110 beats/min
Respiratory rate was 18 breaths/min with slight inspiratory rales noted (normal resp. rate 12-20 breaths/min)
Oxygen saturation was 98% (Normal o2sat = 95-100%)
Temperature was 37.0°C (98.6°F)
Cardiac auscultation revealed normal first and second heart sounds
Jugular veins appeared normal
No lower limb edema is observed
ECG: "Septal Q Waves" (which is an initially negative deflection of the QRS complex) and is an indication of a thickened interventricular septum and left ventricular wall with outflow obstruction
Echocardiogram: Left ventricular outflow tract demonstrating significant obstruction with turbulent blood flow.

Question:

The cardiologist informed the patient that she was in the early stages of heart failure. Which specific type of heart failure does she have? Explain your response.