Question

A 56 year old man is taken to the hospital following sudden onset of severe, crushing, sub-sternal chest pain. A diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction is made on the basis of his electrocardiogram and serum enzyme elevations. Despite appropriate treatment, he dies two hours after entering the hospital. The most likely immediately cause of death is?

1) Arrhythmia
2) Congestive heart failure
3) Rupture of the myocardium
4) Stroke
5) Extension of the infarct

Answer 1

The most likely immediate cause of death in this case is arrhythmia.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most likely immediate cause of death for the 56-year-old man in this case would be arrhythmia. An acute myocardial infarction (heart attack) can disrupt the normal electrical activity of the heart, leading to abnormal heart rhythms or arrhythmias. These arrhythmias can be life-threatening and can result in sudden cardiac arrest and death.