Which of the following symptoms is commonly associated with congenital heart disease?

Study for the Physician Assistant College Admission Test (PA-CAT). Use flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each question provides hints and explanations. Prepare for your exam!

Rapid breathing is indeed a common symptom associated with congenital heart disease. This symptom can occur due to several physiological factors. In congenital heart defects, the heart may not effectively pump blood, leading to insufficient oxygen delivery to the body. The body compensates for this lack by increasing the respiratory rate to obtain more oxygen. Rapid or increased breathing can also be a response to pulmonary congestion or increased blood flow to the lungs, which are often seen in certain types of congenital heart disease.

While high blood pressure, chest pain, and heart murmurs can occur in some cardiovascular conditions, they are not as specifically indicative of congenital heart disease as rapid breathing. High blood pressure is typically more associated with acquired heart conditions or related complications. Chest pain is less common in younger patients with congenital heart disease and is not a hallmark symptom. While a heart murmur can be heard in many individuals with congenital heart defects, it is not always present, and not all murmurs indicate heart disease. Rapid breathing stands out as a definitive early symptom in many cases of congenital heart disease, making it the most appropriate choice in this context.

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