Cardiovascular physiology

Abstract The chapter covers knowledge of cardiovascular physiology required for the MRCEM Primary examination. The chapter provides an overview of blood vessel structure and function. Normal values for cardiac output, stroke volume, MAP, and intra-cardiac pressures are discussed. The chapter covers the cardiac cycle, conducting pathways through the heart, and gives an overview of the ECG and its interpretation. An overview of haemodynamic concepts including cardiac output, contractility, preload, afterload and their interplay are discussed. The chapter covers peripheral vascular physiology. All of the information maps to the RCEM Basic Sciences syllabus, making it relevant to Emergency Medicine practice and the examination.