Today is the first "MiniPod" where we discuss the ionic basis of automaticity the normal and abnormal processes of cardiac excitation. In other words the Slow response Action Potential vs Fast response Action Potential. I have divided these episodes into three sections: facts and knowledge, past SAQs and reviewing viva opening stems. I start with a basic review of pacemaker cells in the heart (01:48), then compare the fast vs slow AP (06:56). We look at a model answer for past SAQs (15:42) and then look at the viva stems with links to other concepts (23:09). I hope you enjoy this new structure for the Podcast and if you have any questions please email me! As always thank you for listening!

Today I’m back with the first topic for Cardiac Physiology – ‘Electrophysiology.’ This is a huge first topic despite only covering two learning objects. I start by covering the ionic basis of automaticity (01:22) then look at the normal and abnormal process of cardiac excitation (04:02). I briefly then cover the basis of an ECG (12:58), the factors that affect cardiac electrical activity along with the pathway of electrical activity generation in the heart (17:55). Finally, to finish this first mammoth learning objective I describe the mechanical events of the cardiac cycle (21:51). The second learning objective for today cover the process of excitation contraction coupling (28:42) which is favourite of some examiners by linking it to cardiac pharmacology. As always, I end with reviewing the past SAQs, today I have some from the ANZCA and the CICM exams (36:33). Next episode I will go through ‘Myocardial O2 Supply and Demand.’ Thanks for listening! As always if you have any feedback let me know

Today I cover the ‘Myocardial Oxygen Supply and Demand.' This topic has 2 main learning objectives, first I cover the anatomy of the heart including the coronary vessels (0:55) and then take a more in depth look at the factors that affect supply and demand (12:54). As always, I end with reviewing the past SAQs, today I have some from the ANZCA and the CICM exams (27:10). Next episode I will go through ‘Control of Cardia Output and Pressure.’ Thanks for listening! As always if you have any feedback let me know

Today I cover a huge topic ‘Control of Cardiac Output & Pressure.” This used to be one big learning objective with 4 subsections that I will go through today. Frist I define and describe the classic terms of preload, afterload and contractility (01:19). Then I delve into the frank starling mechanism (12:34). Followed by a long look at the Guyton Curves (16:02) and the LV Pressure-Volume Loop (28:38). At the end I have some time to look at the past SAQs (34:04). This is a very diagram heavy topic and I highly recommend reviewing these diagrams in detail in preparation for the exam. Next episode I will go through ‘Regional Circulation.’ Thanks for listening! As always if you have any feedback let me know

Today I cover the topic ‘Regional Circulation.” This has one very big learning objective that looks at the factors that govern blood pressure. To understand this, we have to first understand how the systemic circulation works (02:29) and second the physics which control blood flow (08:42), together this helps us to understand the factors that make blood pressure (18:07). I then take a deeper look at total peripheral vascular resistance (19:55) and microcirculation (24:49). The BIG topic for today is understanding the control arc of blood pressure (32:04) and this includes talking about the baroreceptor reflex. Finally, we look at some past SAQs (42:06). Next episode I will go through ‘Applied Cardiac Physiology.’ Thanks for listening! As always if you have any feedback let me know

Today I cover the topic ‘Applied Cardiac Physiology.” This is the biggest topic so far in our cardiology series and I had to divide it into 2 parts. Today I look at the LO’s starting first with the CVS effects of pneumoperitoneum (01:19) and the effects that occur with changes in patient position (06:13). Then I discuss the cardiovascular responses to exercise (12:45), Valsalva (16:58) and positive pressure ventilation (22:30). Then we go into depth examining the changes that occur with ageing (28:42) and obesity (32:35). The final LO for today is multiple LO’s in one and a very deep dive looking into all aspects of shock (37:13). In Part 2 of this topic, I will go through the SAQs. Thanks for listening! As always if you have any feedback let me know

In today’s episode I cover the ‘Past Saqs’ from ‘Applied Cardiac Physiology.” The first SAQ looks at the consequence of tourniquet release after two hours (01:23) followed by the process’s that cause oliguria in hypovolemic shock (09:45). Then I go through the model answers for CVS responses in severe blood loss (14:39), the effects of infusing Hartmann’s solution (16:51) and briefly the impact of IPPV (21:52). Finally, the remaining SAQs look at the effects of a central neuraxial blockade (22:44), the effects of a pneumoperitoneum (27:01) and the effects of ageing and obesity (30:57). Good luck to all the viva sitters this week and thanks for listening! As always if you have any feedback let me know

Today is the last topic of our cardiac physiology series “Measurement.” I start of by looking at different techniques to measure non-invasive BP from auscultation (01:31) to oscillometry (07:03). Then I look at an invasive method being arterial lines and this is divided into how it works (11:15) and sources of error (17:54). The last LO for today covers different techniques to measure cardiac output (27:41). To finish as always, we look at the past SAQs (33:35). Thanks for listening! As always if you have any feedback let me know