General Medicine – Cardiology in NEET PG

Introduction

Cardiology stands as one of the most crucial and high-yield areas in NEET PG preparation. It represents the perfect integration of physiology, pathology, pharmacology, and emergency medicine. For many aspirants, the subject initially feels overwhelming due to complex ECG tracings, numerous drug protocols, and detailed clinical scenarios. However, when studied with conceptual clarity and a structured approach, cardiology becomes one of the most scoring sections in the exam. NEET PG frequently tests clinical reasoning through case-based and image-based questions, especially in ECG interpretation and myocardial infarction management. Beyond examination success, mastering cardiology builds confidence in handling real-life emergencies where rapid and accurate decisions are vital.

ECG Interpretation

• Follow a systematic approach: heart rate, rhythm, cardiac axis, PR interval, QRS duration, QT interval, and ST-T changes.


• Identify hallmark ECG patterns such as ST elevation in STEMI and irregular rhythm in atrial fibrillation.


• Recognise electrolyte abnormalities like tall, peaked T waves in hyperkalemia and U waves in hypokalemia.


• Solve previous year NEET PG ECG questions regularly to improve pattern recognition and speed.

Myocardial Infarction (MI)

• Differentiate STEMI and NSTEMI using ECG findings and cardiac biomarkers like troponin levels.


• Understand early management, including antiplatelets, anticoagulants, nitrates, and pain control.


• Know indications and timing for primary PCI versus thrombolytic therapy.


• Remember complications such as arrhythmias, papillary muscle rupture, and cardiogenic shock.

Heart Failure

• NEET PG Distinguish between HFrEF and HFpEF based on ejection fraction and ventricular function.


• Recognise clinical features like dyspnea, orthopnea, pedal oedema, and fatigue.


• Learn guideline-directed therapy,y including ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, diuretics, ARNI, and SGLT2 inhibitors.


• Manage acute pulmonary oedema with oxygen, loop diuretics, nitrates, and ventilatory support.

Valvular Heart Diseases

• Identify murmurs by timing (systolic/diastolic), location, radiation, and response to manoeuvres.


• Differentiate aortic stenosis, aortic regurgitation, mitral stenosis, and mitral regurgitation clinically.


• Correlate clinical findings with echocardiographic severity grading.


• Understand indications for valve repair or replacement surgery.

Hypertension and Arrhythmias

• Classify hypertension stages and choose appropriate first-line antihypertensive agents. Recognise hypertensive emergencies and initiate intravenous treatment promptly.


• Differentiate supraventricular and ventricular arrhythmias using QRS complex width.


• Apply ACLS protocols effectively for bradyarrhythmias and tachyarrhythmias.

Conclusion

Cardiology in NEET PG  is not merely about memorising facts but about developing structured clinical thinking. When ECG interpretation, disease mechanisms, and management protocols are studied in connection with each other, the subject becomes logical and less intimidating. Consistent revision and solving clinical case scenarios strengthen retention and boost exam confidence. Ultimately, a strong foundation in cardiology not only improves your NEET PG score but also prepares you to act decisively in critical patient situations, making you a more competent and confident future physician.