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Last-2-Weeks Strategy for Cardiology (MRCP Part 1)

TL;DR In the final 14 days before the exam, the last-2-weeks strategy for cardiology (MRCP Part 1) should centre on targeted reinforcement: revise the 5 most tested cardiology subtopics (ECG/arrhythmias, heart failure, ischaemic disease, valves, pericardium), drill daily MCQ blocks, do two full mocks, and review errors in-depth. Don’t attempt new topics — refine recall, pacing, and common pitfalls.


Why Cardiology Matters in MRCP Part 1

Cardiology typically contributes about 14 questions of the 200 in MRCP Part 1 (best-of-five format, two papers each with 100 MCQs). thefederation.uk+1Those questions often probe interpretation (ECG, murmurs, diagnostics) more than rote facts. In the last two weeks, your goal is to convert cardiovascular knowledge into pattern recognition under timed conditions — not to learn fresh guidelines.


Five Most-Asked Cardiology Subtopics & Key Focus

Here are the five cardiac domains you must prioritise in your last two weeks (plus typical traps):

Subtopic

Why It’s High-Yield

What to Drill

Common Trap(s)

ECG & Arrhythmias

ECGs often appear in stems (rate, rhythm, blocks)

20 timed ECG MCQs/day; flash normal variants

Misclassifying 2:1 block as Mobitz II; neglecting limb lead changes

Heart Failure / Shock

Many integrative questions (drug, physiology)

Review guideline targets, pathophysiology, shock algorithm

Overemphasis on rare therapies not in NICE/ESC

Ischaemic Heart Disease / ACS

Clinical scenarios, ECG shifts, biomarkers

Practice localising ST shifts; management sequence

Mis-matching leads to coronary territory

Valvular Disease & Hemodynamics

Murmurs + pressure curves appear frequently

Draw flow diagrams, compare murmurs, pulse features

Relying only textual lists, not linking to physiology

Pericardial Disease / Aortic Disease

Sudden pain, tamponade, ECG changes make classic stems

Recall tamponade triad, dissection red flags, ECG changes

Interpreting pericarditis as MI, misreading BP asymmetry

In your last days, rotate daily through these, ensuring each gets 2–4 MCQs and concept review.


14-Day Cardiology Focus Plan

Below is a suggested daily structure. Adjust based on your strengths/weaknesses:

Days

Focus

Tasks

Days 1–2

Ischaemia / ACS

Review ECG STEMI localization; run 50 MCQs on ACS algorithms

Days 3–4

Heart Failure / Shock

Revise guideline targets (NICE NG106) NICE+1; draw cardiogenic shock flowchart

Days 5–6

Valves & Hemodynamic Physiology

Sketch murmur curves, relate to pressure tracings

Days 7–8

ECG & Arrhythmias

Timed ECG sets (e.g. 10 in 10 min), review conduction blocks

Days 9–10

Pericardium / Aorta

Dissection criteria, tamponade triad, pericardial ECG features

Days 11–12

Mixed Review

One mini-block combining all subtopics (e.g. 30 Qs)

Days 13–14

Full Mock + Review

Two full-length mocks focusing on cardiology tags; deep error audit

Tip: Reserve one 1–2 hour slot daily for flashcards of murmurs, ECG patterns, drug side-effects.


Two-week MRCP Part 1 cardiology study schedule outlining daily focus areas and tasks.

Mini-Case / MCQ with Explanation

Question: A 55-year-old man with hypertension presents with sudden onset chest pain radiating to the back. Blood pressure is 200/105 mmHg right arm, 180/95 mmHg left arm. ECG shows LVH changes but no ST-elevation. What is the most appropriate next investigation?

  1. Thrombolysis

  2. Coronary angiogram

  3. CT aortogram

  4. Echocardiogram

  5. Troponin assay

Answer: 3. CT aortogram

Explanation: Sudden tearing pain radiating to back, asymmetric arm BP difference ≥ 20 mmHg strongly suggest aortic dissection. ECG may show LV strain but is non-specific. The correct step is confirm with CT contrast aortogram to delineate dissection. Thrombolysis or angiogram are hazardous in dissection.


Final Two-Week Cardiology Checklist

  •  Complete 10–20 cardiology MCQs daily (rotate subtopics)

  •  Take two full mocks under exam timing

  •  Maintain an error log and review all incorrect/marked items

  •  Use flashcards (murmurs, ECGs, drug contraindications) each evening

  •  Avoid new topics — focus on consolidation

  •  Simulate exam conditions (no notes, strict timing)


Top Mistakes to Avoid

  • Revisiting large chunks of textbooks — leads to review fatigue.

  • Over-reliance on obscure therapies outside exam blueprint.

  • Ignoring pacing — running out of time in ECG- or stem-heavy blocks.

  • Treating all errors equally — you must categorise by concept, not just answer.

  • Skipping mocks — reduces exam readiness.


FAQs

Q1: Can I add new cardiology topics now?

No. In the last fortnight, your mind is better used reinforcing known patterns rather than expanding breadth.

Q2: How many mocks are optimal?

Two full-length mocks plus daily MCQ blocks give a balance between exposure and consolidation.

Q3: Should I prioritise reading guidelines (e.g. ESC, NICE)?Only core guideline targets relevant to MRCP are helpful (e.g. heart failure targets from NICE NG106). NICE+1

Q4: How do I memorise murmur-physiology links fast?

Use mnemonic tables that tie murmur, pulse, pressure loop, and radiation together; draw them repeatedly.

Q5: What is the scope of cardiology in MRCP Part 1?

About 14 questions per exam are allocated to cardiology, so scoring well here meaningfully affects your total. thefederation.uk+2thefederation.uk+2


Ready to start?

Implement this focused timeline now. Use high-yield MCQs and two mocks to sharpen your cardiology instincts. Meanwhile, explore our QBank for cardiology modules and performance analytics, and the lectures section for concise topic refresher videos. Integrate this with your broader MRCP Part 1 review strategy via the parent hub on MRCP Part 1.

Stay disciplined — last fortnight excellence often separates those who pass.


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