❤️ Cardiology Essentials for AMC Exams: Common Stems Explained

Cardiology is one of the highest-yield topics in the AMC MCQ and Clinical exams. Candidates are frequently tested on acute presentations, safe management, and recognition of life-threatening conditions. Below are the most common cardiology exam stems explained with key reasoning points.

🔹 1. Acute Chest Pain

Stem Example: A 55-year-old man with crushing chest pain, sweating, and nausea.

• Most likely diagnosis: Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS).

• Best initial step: ECG + Aspirin (if no contraindication).

• AMC Tip: Don’t delay treatment waiting for bloods. Early reperfusion is critical.

🔹 2. Palpitations & Tachyarrhythmias

Stem Example: A 25-year-old woman with sudden-onset palpitations, HR 180, narrow complex.

• Most likely diagnosis: Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT).

• Immediate management: Vagal manoeuvres → IV adenosine if unstable.

• AMC Tip: Always check haemodynamic stability first.

🔹 3. Heart Failure / Dyspnoea

Stem Example: An elderly man with orthopnoea, ankle swelling, bibasal crepitations.

• Most likely diagnosis: Congestive Heart Failure.

• Initial management: Oxygen (if hypoxic), diuretics, fluid restriction.

• AMC Tip: Exclude acute ACS as a precipitating factor.

🔹 4. Syncope / Collapse

Stem Example: A 70-year-old woman collapses suddenly while walking.

• Differentials: Arrhythmia (VT, complete heart block), postural hypotension, vasovagal syncope.

• Key investigations: ECG, cardiac monitoring, orthostatic BP.

• AMC Tip: Always consider cardiac causes first in older patients.

🔹 5. Hypertension Management

Stem Example: A 45-year-old man with BP 160/95 on repeated readings.

• First-line management: Lifestyle modification + ACE inhibitor (if no contraindication).

• AMC Tip: Australian guidelines emphasise absolute CVD risk assessment before starting therapy.

🔹 6. Endocarditis

Stem Example: A patient with fever, new murmur, history of IV drug use.

• Most likely diagnosis: Infective Endocarditis.

• Key steps: Blood cultures + echocardiography + IV antibiotics.

• AMC Tip: Always consider prosthetic valves and recent invasive procedures as risk factors.

🔹 7. Pericarditis

Stem Example: A young man with sharp chest pain, relieved by sitting forward.

• Most likely diagnosis: Acute pericarditis.

• Management: NSAIDs, monitor for effusion/tamponade.

• AMC Tip: ECG changes = widespread ST elevation with PR depression.

✅ Key Takeaway

For cardiology in AMC exams:

• Always rule out life-threatening causes first.

• Management must reflect safe, guideline-based Australian practice.

• Examiners value prioritisation, clear reasoning, and first-line interventions.

By mastering these common cardiology stems, candidates can confidently tackle a major component of both the AMC MCQ and Clinical exams.