Complete heart block — UKMLA Revision Notes

Complete heart block is an important clinical condition in Cardiology that is tested in the UKMLA Applied Knowledge Test (AKT). Medical students and doctors preparing for the UKMLA or PLAB 1 must understand the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, investigations, and evidence-based management of Complete heart block as outlined in current NICE guidelines.

Key Facts

Complete heart block is a key condition on the GMC UKMLA Content Map
Commonly tested in the Cardiology section of the UKMLA Applied Knowledge Test
Understand the pathophysiology, clinical features, investigations, and management
NICE guidelines provide the evidence base for management decisions
Consider differential diagnoses and red flag symptoms in clinical scenarios

Investigations

12-lead ECG
Echocardiogram
Troponin I/T
FBC, U&E, LFTs
BNP/NT-proBNP
Chest X-ray

Management

Optimise cardiovascular risk factors (BP, lipids, diabetes)
Antiplatelet/anticoagulation as indicated
Beta-blocker, ACE inhibitor, statin
Cardiology outpatient follow-up
Patient education and lifestyle advice
Device therapy (ICD/pacemaker) if indicated

Practice 2+ Complete heart block Questions

Test your knowledge with SBA questions on Complete heart block and all 430 UKMLA Content Map conditions. Instant feedback, NICE guideline explanations, and spaced repetition included.