PLAB 1 Cardiology: The Complete Topic Guide for IMGs
A complete guide to PLAB 1 cardiology — the highest-yield specialty. Covers ACS, heart failure, AF, hypertension, ECG interpretation, and all key NICE guidelines with revision tips.
Cardiology is the highest-yield specialty in PLAB 1, typically accounting for 15–20% of the exam. Mastering PLAB 1 cardiology questions is therefore one of the most efficient ways to improve your overall score. This guide covers every major cardiology condition in the GMC Content Map, the key NICE guidelines you need to know, and a proven revision strategy for PLAB 1 cardiology.
Why Cardiology Is the Highest-Yield PLAB 1 Specialty
The GMC UKMLA Content Map lists over 40 cardiology conditions that can appear in PLAB 1. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the UK, and the NHS invests heavily in evidence-based cardiovascular management. As a result, PLAB 1 tests cardiology extensively — not just diagnosis, but investigations, management, and the specific NICE guideline recommendations that govern UK clinical practice.
The Five Highest-Yield PLAB 1 Cardiology Conditions
1. Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS). STEMI vs NSTEMI vs unstable angina. ECG changes (ST elevation, new LBBB, ST depression), troponin interpretation, and the NICE NG185 management pathway (dual antiplatelet therapy, primary PCI for STEMI, early invasive strategy for NSTEMI).
2. Heart Failure. Systolic vs diastolic failure, BNP interpretation, echocardiography, and the NICE NG106 management pathway (ACE inhibitor + beta-blocker first-line, loop diuretics for fluid overload, CRT indications).
3. Atrial Fibrillation. Rate vs rhythm control, CHA₂DS₂-VASc scoring for stroke risk, anticoagulation thresholds, cardioversion, and NICE NG196.
4. Hypertension. The ABCD rule for antihypertensive selection (ACE inhibitor/ARB under 55, CCB over 55 or Afro-Caribbean), target blood pressure, and NICE NG136.
5. ECG Interpretation. PLAB 1 regularly tests ECG interpretation. You must be able to identify STEMI, AF, heart blocks (1st, 2nd, 3rd degree), VT, SVT, and WPW syndrome from a brief ECG description.
PLAB 1 Cardiology Revision Strategy
The most effective PLAB 1 cardiology revision strategy combines systematic topic learning with high-volume SBA practice. Start with the five highest-yield conditions above, learn the NICE management pathway for each, then practise 20–30 cardiology SBA questions in a single session. Review every explanation — including questions you answered correctly — to consolidate the reasoning.
Our platform contains 100+ PLAB 1 cardiology questions with full explanations and NICE guideline summaries. You can filter questions by specialty to practise cardiology in dedicated sessions. Free questions are available immediately with no credit card required.