Active pericarditis or myocarditis increases risk with exercise. Which statement reflects this?

Active pericarditis or myocarditis increases risk with exercise. Which statement reflects this?

• A. History of myocarditis years ago with no current symptoms.
• B. Active inflammation of the heart or pericardium.
• C. Stable coronary artery disease.
• D. Controlled hypertension.

Answer: (B)

Active inflammation of the heart or pericardium creates the risk because when the tissue is inflamed, the heart is more irritable and prone to arrhythmias and functional compromise. Exercise increases heart rate, contractility, and oxygen demand, which can worsen inflammation and lead to dangerous rhythms, worsening heart function, or fluid buildup. So the statement describing active inflammation best reflects why exercise poses a higher risk. A remote history of myocarditis with no current symptoms does not indicate ongoing risk, and stable coronary disease or controlled hypertension describe chronic conditions rather than acute inflammatory activity that elevates exercise risk.

Active inflammation of the heart or pericardium creates the risk because when the tissue is inflamed, the heart is more irritable and prone to arrhythmias and functional compromise. Exercise increases heart rate, contractility, and oxygen demand, which can worsen inflammation and lead to dangerous rhythms, worsening heart function, or fluid buildup. So the statement describing active inflammation best reflects why exercise poses a higher risk. A remote history of myocarditis with no current symptoms does not indicate ongoing risk, and stable coronary disease or controlled hypertension describe chronic conditions rather than acute inflammatory activity that elevates exercise risk.