Exam Tips

Addison’s Disease

Addison’s Disease

Addison’s disease (primary adrenal insufficiency) is caused by the underproduction of the steroid hormones by the adrenal glands. Glucocorticoid, mineralocorticoid and sex steroid production are all affected. It is more common in women than in men and most commonly...

read more
Hyperaldosteronism

Hyperaldosteronism

Hyperaldosteronism occurs when there are excessive circulating levels of aldosterone. Hyperaldosteronism can be subdivided into two main types: Primary hyperaldosteronism (~95% of cases) Secondary hyperaldosteronism (~5% of cases)   Primary hyperaldosteronism is...

read more
Test Your ECG Knowledge – Waves, Segments and Intervals

Test Your ECG Knowledge – Waves, Segments and Intervals

Test your knowledge of the ECG waves, segments and intervals with these questions. 1. Which single statement regarding the p wave on the ECG is true? A. It is normally between 120 and 150 ms in duration B. It is positive in lead AVR C. It represents atrial...

read more
Test Your ECG Knowledge – Rate, Rhythm & Axis

Test Your ECG Knowledge – Rate, Rhythm & Axis

Test your knowledge of the ECG rate, rhythm and axis with these questions.1. Which of the following is the usual paper speed of an ECG? A. 10 mm/secB. 25 mm/secC. 50 mm/secD. 75 mm/secE. 100 mm/secAnswer: B. 25 mm/sec   The usual paper speed of an ECG is 25...

read more
Test Your ECG Knowledge – Anatomy & Physiology

Test Your ECG Knowledge – Anatomy & Physiology

Test your knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the ECG with these questions.1. Which of the following is the correct location of the sino-atrial (SA) node? A. Right atriumB. Left atriumC. Right ventricleD. Inter-atrial septumE. Inter-ventricular septumAnswer: A....

read more
How To Read a Paediatric ECG

How To Read a Paediatric ECG

The basic methodology used to read a paediatric ECG is the same as that used in an adult ECG, but the anatomical and physiological differences between children and adults mean that some features of the ECG that will be different. Furthermore, the progressive changes...

read more
Cushing’s Syndrome

Cushing’s Syndrome

Cushing’s syndrome is a collection of symptoms and signs caused by prolonged exposure to elevated levels of either endogenous or exogenous glucocorticoids. The incidence of Cushing’s syndrome is approximately 10-15 per million, and the incidence is higher in people...

read more
Phaeochromocytoma

Phaeochromocytoma

A phaeochromocytoma is a rare functional tumour that arises from chromaffin cells in the adrenal medulla. Extra-adrenal paragangliomas (extra-adrenal pheochromocytomas) are closely related, though less common, tumours that originate in the ganglia of the sympathetic...

read more
Differentiating Causes of Dementia

Differentiating Causes of Dementia

Globally, approximately 50 million people have dementia, and there are nearly 10 million new cases every year. Dementia is a syndrome in which there is deterioration in memory, thinking, behaviour and the ability to perform everyday activities. Although dementia...

read more
Understanding the Ventilation-Perfusion Relationship

Understanding the Ventilation-Perfusion Relationship

To ensure that enough oxygen is provided by ventilation to saturate the blood fully requires that ventilation and perfusion of the lungs are adequately matched. Ventilation (V) refers to the flow of air into and out of the alveoli, while perfusion (Q) refers to the...

read more