EXG: Ready For The MRCP Podcast

Ep 8. MRCP Cardiology - Hypertension

In Episode 8 of EXG: Ready for the MRCP, we dive into one of the most commonly tested—and clinically essential—topics in internal medicine: hypertension. From chronic blood pressure management to the recognition and treatment of hypertensive urgency and emergency, this episode breaks down the high-yield concepts you need for exam success. Join Dr Alistair James as he guides you through classic MRCP-style scenarios, red-flag features, diagnostic criteria, evidence-based treatment strategies, and exam-ready tips to help sharpen your clinical reasoning. Whether you’re revising on the go or consolidating key concepts before the big day, this episode is packed with insights tailored for trainees preparing for Membership of the Royal College of Physicians. Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Clinical guidelines evolve, and listeners should always refer to the most up-to-date local and national recommendations when making clinical decisions.

Ep. 7 MRCP Cardiology - Pericardial Disease

🎙️ Ready for the MRCP Podcast with Dr Alistair James In this episode of Ready for the MRCP, host Dr Alistair James dives deep into the topic of pericardial disease, working through 5 challenging MRCP-style questions. Together, we unpack complex exam-favourite scenarios, including: * Differentiating acute pericarditis, myopericarditis, and STEMI on ECG * Recognising high-risk features that mandate hospital admission * Understanding the physiology of pulsus paradoxus in tamponade * Distinguishing constrictive pericarditis vs restrictive cardiomyopathy * Managing post-MI pericarditis safely Each question is broken down step by step, with detailed explanations of why the correct answer is right — and why the distractors are wrong — so you can sharpen your exam technique and clinical reasoning. ⚠️ Disclaimer: This podcast is not intended as medical advice and is for educational purposes only. Listeners should always refer to up-to-date clinical guidelines and use their own clinical judgment in practice. Please note that the ESC published updated 2025 guidelines on pericardial disease after this episode was recorded, so some information may now be out of date.

Ep 6. MRCP Cardiology - Cardiomyopathies

Join The EXG Podcast with Dr Alistair James as we tackle five challenging MRCP-style questions on cardiomyopathies. From distinguishing restrictive cardiomyopathy and constrictive pericarditis, to high-risk features in arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC), we break down each case in detail. Expect in-depth explanations, guideline references, and high-yield exam pearls designed to sharpen your revision and test your clinical reasoning. Perfect listening for anyone preparing for the MRCP or looking to strengthen their cardiology knowledge. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and revision purposes only and is not intended as medical advice.

Ep 5. MRCP Cardiology - Arrhythmia Management

Welcome to The EXG Podcast with Dr Alistair James. In this episode, we dive into five challenging MRCP-style questions on arrhythmias — from tricky ECG patterns to high-yield management decisions. Test yourself as we work through each case, unpack the distractors, and highlight the key exam learning points you need to know. Perfect revision fuel for anyone preparing for the MRCP.

Ep 4. MRCP Cardiology - Congenital Heart Disease

Episode 4 – Congenital Heart Disease: 5 MRCP Questions Broken Down In Episode 4, Dr. Alistair James tackles an often-overlooked but high-yield area for MRCP revision: congenital heart disease. Through 5 carefully selected MRCP-style questions, this episode explores the key presentations, underlying pathophysiology, and clinical clues that help you identify and manage congenital cardiac conditions in adult patients. From Eisenmenger’s syndrome to ASD, this episode will sharpen your ability to spot congenital pathology in the exam—and in the real world. Perfect for listening during your commute, clinic break, or post-night shift wind-down. ✅ Topics Covered: * Common adult presentations of congenital heart defects * Atrial septal defects (ASD), ventricular septal defects (VSD), patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) * Cyanotic vs. acyanotic defects * Eisenmenger’s physiology and reversal of shunt * Guideline-based management (as of July 2025) 🎓 Sponsored by EXG Learning [https://www.exg-learning.com] Struggling with ECGs linked to congenital conditions or just want to build stronger rhythm interpretation skills? EXG Learning offers interactive, case-based ECG tutorials designed for doctors and healthcare professionals. Their structured approach breaks down complex ECGs into manageable, high-yield lessons to help you feel more confident and exam-ready. Explore all their resources at www.exg-learning.com [https://www.exg-learning.com]. 🩺 Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for clinical decision-making or current guideline consultation. All MRCP-style questions and answers reflect knowledge and recommendations available as of July 2025.