Cardiac Medicine Certification (CMC) Practice Exam

Which of the following is NOT a discharge medication for STEMI patients?

1. ACE inhibitors

2. Statins

3. Beta-blockers

4. Calcium channel blockers

The correct answer is: Calcium channel blockers

In the management of STEMI (ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction) patients, the primary goals during discharge include optimizing cardiovascular health, preventing future cardiovascular events, and ensuring appropriate management of risk factors. Certain classes of medications are routinely prescribed at discharge due to their proven benefits in reducing mortality and morbidity associated with heart failure and myocardial infarction. ACE inhibitors are commonly prescribed for their effectiveness in improving outcomes by lowering blood pressure and decreasing heart strain. They also help reduce ventricular remodeling following a myocardial infarction. Statins are essential in managing lipid levels and have shown to improve survival rates and lower the risk of further cardiovascular events in patients with a history of myocardial infarction. Beta-blockers are also a cornerstone in the post-STEMI management strategy. They help decrease heart rate and myocardial oxygen demand, ultimately reducing the likelihood of future events. In contrast, while calcium channel blockers have their role in managing certain cardiovascular conditions, they are not typically a standard discharge medication for STEMI patients, especially in the acute setting. They do not provide the same robust evidence for mortality benefit in the context of STEMI as the other mentioned medications. Their use may be reserved for specific patient scenarios, such as those with hypertension or certain arrhythmias, but they