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.

🎙️ 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updated 2025 guidelines on pericardial disease after this episode was recorded, so some information may now be out of date.

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.

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.

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
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.

🩺 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.

Episode 3 – Valvular Heart Disease: 5 MRCP Questions Explained

In Episode 3, Dr. Alistair James explores one of cardiology’s most clinically rich and exam-relevant topics: valvular heart disease. From the classic signs of aortic stenosis to the nuanced management of mitral regurgitation, this episode walks you through 5 MRCP-style questions that cover diagnosis, clinical features, investigations, and guideline-driven management.

Whether you’re struggling to remember murmur characteristics or need clarity on when to refer for surgery, this episode offers high-yield insights—perfectly tailored for busy doctors revising on the go.

✅ Topics Covered:

• Aortic stenosis, aortic regurgitation, mitral stenosis, and mitral regurgitation

• Murmur timing and auscultation findings

• Indications for echo and referral to cardiology

• Surgical vs. medical management approaches

• Key updates from guidelines (as of July 2025)

🎓 Sponsored by EXG Learning
Need to brush up on ECGs while revising for the MRCP? EXG Learning is your go-to online platform for interactive ECG tutorials, step-by-step video explanations, and practical case-based learning. Whether you're preparing for exams or building clinical confidence, EXG makes ECG learning clear, structured, and effective.

Start your ECG journey today at www.exg-learning.com.

🩺 Disclaimer:
This podcast is intended for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional clinical guidance. All questions and answers discussed reflect MRCP-level knowledge and are based on the guidelines and best practices available as of July 2025.

Episode 2 – Heart Failure: Mastering MRCP-Style Questions

In Episode 2, Dr. Alistair James dives into the vital topic of heart failure—a frequent favourite in MRCP exams. Using 5 exam-style questions, he walks you through the clinical presentation, diagnostic work-up, and guideline-based management of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Expect high-yield pearls, exam-focused reasoning, and practical takeaways that will reinforce your understanding and sharpen your MRCP exam technique.

Designed to fit around your busy schedule, this episode is perfect for listening on your way to work or during a quick break.

🎓 This episode is sponsored by EXG Learning
Want to level up your ECG interpretation skills? EXG Learning is an online education platform built for medical professionals. With clear, step-by-step video tutorials and interactive case-based learning, EXG helps you master ECGs with confidence. Whether you're preparing for the MRCP or simply want to boost your clinical skills, www.exg-learning.com has you covered.

🩺 Disclaimer:
This podcast is intended for educational use only and should not be used as a substitute for clinical judgement or formal medical guidance. The questions and answers discussed are based on MRCP-level knowledge and guidelines available as of July 2025.

Episode 1 – Acute & Chronic Coronary Syndromes: MRCP Questions Explained

In this debut episode, Dr. Alistair James breaks down the key clinical features, investigations, and management strategies for acute and chronic coronary syndromes (ACS & CCS)—a core cardiology topic for the MRCP exams.

Using 4 carefully selected MRCP-style questions, he walks you through the must-know details, highlighting common pitfalls, evidence-based answers, and practical tips to help boost your exam performance.

This episode is ideal for listening during your commute or between shifts—so you can revise smarter, even when you’re on the move.

🎓 This episode is brought to you by EXG Learning

Looking to sharpen your ECG interpretation skills? EXG Learning is an interactive online platform that helps medical professionals master ECGs through engaging video tutorials, clinical scenarios, and step-by-step teaching. Whether you're preparing for exams or brushing up on day-to-day practice, EXG Learning is the perfect companion for confident ECG reading.

Visit www.exg-learning.com to start learning today.

🩺 Disclaimer:
This podcast is intended for educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for clinical judgement or current medical guidelines. All information and answers are based on MRCP exam-level knowledge and the guidance available as of July 2025.