Cardiac Conduction System – At a Glance

Cardiac Conduction System – At a Glance

You cannot interpret ECGs without knowing how electricity moves through the heart.    The Conduction Pathway   Sinoatrial (SA) node: Located in the right atrium Natural pacemaker Fires at 60–100 bpm Initiates atrial contraction   Atrioventricular (AV)...
Confounding, Bias & Effect Modification – At a Glance

Confounding, Bias & Effect Modification – At a Glance

These concepts appear simple. They are not. And they are frequently misunderstood in both exams and clinical research.   Confounding – The Classic Third Variable Trap   A confounder is a variable that is: Associated with the exposure Associated with the...
Comparing Data – At a Glance

Comparing Data – At a Glance

Choosing the right statistical test depends on three things: Data type (parametric vs non-parametric) Number of groups Paired vs unpaired   Parametric vs Non-Parametric   Parametric tests = interval or ratio data (normally distributed) Non-parametric tests =...
Febrile Convulsions – At a Glance

Febrile Convulsions – At a Glance

Febrile convulsions are generalised seizures triggered by fever in otherwise normal children.They are usually benign but can be frightening for parents and caregivers.   Epidemiology   Occur in 2–5% of children aged 6 months to 5 years. Peak incidence: 14–18...
The Mental Health Act – At a Glance

The Mental Health Act – At a Glance

The Mental Health Act (1983, amended 2007) is the main legislation for detaining, assessing, and treating people with mental health disorders without consent in England and Wales.   Voluntary vs Detained Patients   Voluntary patients agree to admission and...
Bacteria – At a Glance

Bacteria – At a Glance

Bacteria are microscopic, single-celled organisms. Most are harmless. Some cause disease: pathogens.   What Makes Bacteria Dangerous? Toxins (e.g. Clostridium botulinum) Tissue invasion (e.g. Streptococcus pyogenes) Inflammation-triggering (e.g....