A disproportionate thickening of the interventricular septum is the hallmark of which form of cardiomyopathy?

A. Thoracotomy: Thoracotomy involves opening the chest cavity to access the heart and lungs; this surgical approach is not the first-line treatment for pericardial effusion and is more invasive than necessary, potentially leading to increased recovery time and complications.

B. Pericardiocentesis: Pericardiocentesis involves inserting a needle into the pericardial space to remove excess fluid; this procedure is a common and effective treatment for symptomatic large pericardial effusions, providing rapid relief of symptoms such as dyspnea and chest pain while also allowing for diagnostic evaluation of the fluid.

C. Heart catheterization: Heart catheterization involves a diagnostic procedure to assess heart function and blood flow through the coronary arteries; while it provides valuable information regarding cardiac conditions, it is not indicated for treating pericardial effusion and does not address the underlying fluid accumulation.

D. Pericardiectomy: Pericardiectomy involves removing part or all of the pericardium; this surgical procedure is typically reserved for chronic cases or constrictive pericarditis, as it is more invasive and not the immediate treatment option for an acute pericardial effusion, where less invasive options are preferred.

A. Shortness of breath and need for oxygen supplementation: These symptoms are more indicative of respiratory or cardiac conditions rather than Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD). While patients with PAD may experience discomfort during exertion, shortness of breath is not a primary symptom associated with PAD.

B. Tachycardia and hypotension: Tachycardia and hypotension are generally signs of acute distress, shock, or severe cardiovascular issues. These symptoms do not specifically indicate PAD, which is characterized by issues related to blood flow in the peripheral arteries.

C. Decreased alertness and slurred speech: These symptoms suggest possible neurological issues, such as a stroke or transient ischemic attack, rather than PAD. PAD primarily affects blood flow to the extremities and does not typically present with neurological symptoms.

D. Diminished pulses and pain with walking or exercise: Diminished pulses in the legs and claudication, or pain with walking or exercise, are classic symptoms of Peripheral Artery Disease. These symptoms occur due to reduced blood flow to the muscles in the legs, particularly during physical activity, and are indicative of arterial blockages.