Cardiology
AKT High-Yield Breakdown
Cardiology is a core AKT domain. The exam rarely asks "what is the diagnosis?" in isolation. Instead, it tests whether you know when to investigate, what thresholds matter, which guideline step comes next, and what the DVLA says. This page distils the cardiovascular syllabus into the patterns the AKT repeatedly tests.
What You'll Learn
Master hypertension thresholds, heart failure pathways, AF anticoagulation decisions, and the DVLA rules that catch everyone out. This comprehensive breakdown covers everything from NICE NG136 to post-MI secondary prevention.

Practise Cardiology MCQs
From hypertension thresholds and the ABPM pathway to CHA₂DS₂-VASc anticoagulation decisions, the four HFrEF pillars, statin prescribing, and DVLA driving restrictions — tackle focused MCQs across the full Cardiology curriculum.
Hypertension (NICE NG136)
AKT hypertension questions are about diagnosis pathways and escalation, not just drug names.
Diagnosis (Know the numbers)
- Clinic BP ≥140/90 → offer ABPM or HBPM
- Treat based on ABPM/HBPM, not clinic readings
Diagnostic thresholds (ABPM/HBPM)
- <80 years: ≥135/85
- ≥80 years: ≥145/85
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