31st July 2023

A 73-year-old woman with a background of ischaemic heart disease, atrial fibrillation, heart failure, COPD, high cholesterol

A 73-year-old woman with a background of ischaemic heart disease, atrial fibrillation, heart failure, COPD, high cholesterol, and hypertension attends A&E, complaining of severe abdominal pain. On examination, her abdomen is soft and non tender. A VBG shows a metabolic acidosis and raised lactate.

What is her primary risk factor for developing the pathology exemplified by this case?

Select the SINGLE most appropriate option from the list below. Select ONE option only.