2024 ACSM CEP Exam (100% Correct)

Absolute Contraindications to Exercise Testing correct answers • A recent significant change in the resting ECG suggesting significant ischemia, recent MI (within 2 d), or other acute cardiac event • Unstable angina • Uncontrolled cardiac dysrhythmias causing symptoms or hemodynamic compromise • Symptomatic severe aortic stenosis • Uncontrolled symptomatic heart failure • Acute pulmonary embolus or pulmonary infarction • Acute myocarditis or pericarditis • Suspected or known dissecting aneurysm • Acute systemic infection, accompanied by fever, body aches, or swollen lymph glands Relative Contraindications to Exercise Testing correct answers • Left main coronary stenosis • Moderate stenotic valvular heart disease • Electrolyte abnormalities (hypokalemia or hypomagnesemia) • Severe arterial hypertension (SBP200 mmHg and/or DBP 110 mmHg) at rest • Tachydysrhythmia or bradydysrhythmia • Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and other forms of outflow tract obstruction • Neuromotor, musculoskeletal, or rheumatoid disorders that are exacerbated by exercise • High-degree AV block • Ventricular aneurysm • Uncontrolled metabolic disease (diabetes, thyrotoxicosis, or myxedema) • Chronic infectious disease (e.g. HIV) • Mental or physical impairment leading to inability to exercise adequately General Indications for Stopping an Exercise Test correct answers • Onset of angina or angina-like symptoms • Drop in SBP of ≥10 mmHg with an increase in work rate or if SBP decreases below the value obtained in the same position prior to testing • Excessive rise in BP: SBP250 mmHg and/or DBP115 mmHg • Shortness of breath, wheezing, leg cramps, or claudication • Signs of poor perfusion: light-headedness, confusion, ataxia (loss of full control of bodily movements), (pallor) unhealthy pale appearance, cyanosis (bluish skin color), nausea, or cold and clammy skin • Failure of HR to increase with increased exercise intensity • Noticeable change in heart rhythm by palpation or auscultation • Subject requests to stop • Physical or verbal manifestations of severe fatigue • Failure of the testing equipment Absolute Indications for stopping an exercise test correct answers • Drop in SBP ≥10 mmHg with an increase in work rate, or if SBP decreases below the value obtained in the same position prior to testing when accompanied by other evidence of ischemia • Moderately severe angina (defined as 3 on standard scale)