National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) Practice Exam

Which condition is NOT an absolute contraindication to exercise training?

1. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

2. Acute myocarditis

3. Deep venous thrombosis

4. None of the above

The correct answer is: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a significant heart condition characterized by the thickening of the heart muscle, which can impede proper cardiac function. While it is a serious condition and often warrants caution with exercise, it is not viewed as an absolute contraindication to exercise training in all cases. In fact, some patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy may be able to engage in supervised and appropriately tailored exercise programs, particularly if they are asymptomatic or have been evaluated by a healthcare provider. On the contrary, conditions like acute myocarditis and deep venous thrombosis are classified as absolute contraindications to exercise. Acute myocarditis presents with inflammation of the heart muscle, leading to risks of serious complications that could be exacerbated by physical exertion. Similarly, deep venous thrombosis poses a significant risk of embolism, which could be life-threatening during physical activity. Understanding the varying degrees of risk associated with different heart conditions is crucial for tailoring exercise prescriptions appropriately. Therefore, recognizing that hypertrophic cardiomyopathy does not categorically prevent all forms of exercise, makes it the correct answer in this context.