Which is a consequence of immobility on the cardiovascular system?

• A. Deep vein thrombosis
• B. Heart murmurs
• C. Hyperlipidemia
• D. Pulmonary edema

Answer: (A)

Immobilization slows the return of blood through the veins, especially in the legs, creating venous stasis. This stagnant flow promotes clot formation in the deep venous system, so a deep vein thrombosis can develop as a direct cardiovascular consequence of inactivity. A clot from a DVT can also travel to the lungs and cause a pulmonary embolism, which is a serious potential complication. The other options don’t arise directly from immobility: heart murmurs are usually due to valve or cardiac pathology, hyperlipidemia is a lipid/metabolic issue, and pulmonary edema typically relates to heart failure or fluid overload rather than inactivity itself.