What is the common cause of infective carditis?

A. Injury to the endothelial cells that line the artery walls: The development of atherosclerosis begins with damage to the endothelial cells of the arterial wall. This injury can be caused by various factors, including hypertension, smoking, high cholesterol, and diabetes. Once the endothelium is injured, it becomes more permeable, allowing lipids and inflammatory cells to penetrate and accumulate, leading to the formation of atherosclerotic plaques.

B. Release of the platelet-derived growth factor: While platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) plays a role in the proliferation of smooth muscle cells and the progression of atherosclerosis, it is not the initiating event. PDGF is released in response to endothelial injury and inflammation but does not cause the initial damage itself.

C. Macrophages adhere to vessel walls: The adherence of macrophages to the vessel walls occurs after the initial endothelial injury. Once the endothelium is damaged, macrophages migrate to the site and contribute to the inflammatory response and plaque formation, but this is not the initiating event.

D. Release of inflammatory cytokines: Inflammatory cytokines are part of the response that follows endothelial injury and play a role in the progression of atherosclerosis. However, the release of these cytokines is a consequence of the initial injury rather than the initiating event.

A. Aortic stenosis: Aortic stenosis can lead to heart failure due to left ventricular outflow obstruction, but it is not the most direct cause of pulmonary edema. This condition may present with other symptoms, such as chest pain or syncope, rather than fluid accumulation in the lungs.

B. Left-sided heart failure: Left-sided heart failure is a primary cause of pulmonary edema, as it leads to increased pressure in the pulmonary circulation and fluid leakage into the alveoli. Assessing for this condition is crucial, as it directly contributes to the patient's pulmonary edema and requires immediate management.

C. Mitral valve prolapse: Mitral valve prolapse can cause mitral regurgitation and lead to heart failure, but it is less commonly associated with acute pulmonary edema compared to left-sided heart failure. While assessment is important, it is not the priority in this scenario.

D. Right-sided heart failure: Right-sided heart failure typically leads to systemic congestion and peripheral edema rather than pulmonary edema. While it can coexist with left-sided heart failure, it is not the primary concern when assessing a patient specifically for pulmonary edema.