ABIM Cardiology study plan

Map the acute coronary syndrome spectrum by differentiating STEMI, NSTEMI, and unstable angina on the basis of ECG findings, troponin kinetics, and reperfusion timing, then encode the result as a one-page decision tree.

Derive revascularization decisions in stable coronary disease by comparing guideline-directed medical therapy with PCI and CABG across anatomic complexity and ischemic burden thresholds, writing the criteria you would use at the bedside.

Distinguish stress testing modalities, coronary CT angiography, and invasive angiography by ranking their sensitivity, specificity, and preferred clinical scenarios in a comparison grid.

Calculate TIMI and GRACE scores on five written vignettes and state the antithrombotic and invasive strategy each score implies.

Assemble the post-MI secondary prevention bundle, specifying dual antiplatelet duration, high-intensity statin dosing, beta-blocker and RAAS blockade indications, and the exceptions that justify omission.

Classify heart failure by ejection fraction and construct the four-pillar guideline-directed medical therapy regimen, listing starting dose, target dose, and monitoring parameter for each drug class.

Differentiate hypertrophic, infiltrative, arrhythmogenic, peripartum, and toxic cardiomyopathies by matching each to its characteristic echocardiographic and cardiac MRI findings.

Design a diuretic strategy for acute decompensated heart failure that specifies loop diuretic dosing, escalation steps, and the triggers for ultrafiltration or inotrope support.

Determine ICD and cardiac resynchronization eligibility by applying ejection fraction, NYHA class, QRS duration, and expected survival criteria to eight written cases.

Separate narrow-complex from wide-complex tachycardia using a stepwise ECG algorithm, then justify the acute pharmacologic or electrical therapy chosen for each rhythm.

Execute the ACLS cardiac arrest, bradycardia, and tachycardia algorithms in sequence, stating the dose and route for every drug and the energy setting for every shock.

Decide anticoagulation in atrial fibrillation by calculating CHA2DS2-VASc and HAS-BLED on ten vignettes and defending the choice of agent and duration.

Recognize first-, second-, and third-degree AV block and sinus node dysfunction, and state which tracings meet indications for permanent pacing.

Select antiarrhythmic drugs for atrial fibrillation and ventricular arrhythmia by matching agent to structural heart disease status and contraindication profile.

Grade aortic stenosis severity using peak velocity, mean gradient, and valve area, then state the symptom, ejection fraction, and gradient triggers that justify valve replacement.

Differentiate primary from secondary mitral regurgitation and match each to repair, replacement, or transcatheter edge-to-edge therapy on the basis of anatomy and operative risk.

Identify echocardiographic and microbiologic features of infective endocarditis and list the indications for early surgical intervention.

Distinguish acute pericarditis, cardiac tamponade, and constrictive pericarditis by physical examination, echocardiographic, and catheterization hemodynamics, then select the corresponding therapy.

Outline the evaluation and management of acute myocarditis, including the role of cardiac MRI and the restriction on exercise.

Stage hypertension by measured blood pressure and select first-line agents for patients with chronic kidney disease, heart failure, diabetes, and pregnancy, noting the agent that must be avoided in each.

Construct a workup for resistant hypertension that sequences adherence assessment, secondary causes, and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist addition.

Recognize aortic dissection, abdominal aortic aneurysm, peripheral artery disease, and renovascular disease by presenting features and confirmatory imaging, and state the acute management of each.

Risk-stratify pulmonary embolism with Wells criteria and sPESI, then choose the anticoagulant, its duration, and the criteria for thrombolysis or embolectomy.

Classify pulmonary hypertension into WHO groups by hemodynamics and comorbidities, and match each group to its evidence-based therapy.

Separate acyanotic from cyanotic congenital lesions by shunt physiology and chest radiograph findings, and describe the natural history and repair timing for ASD, VSD, PDA, coarctation, and tetralogy of Fallot.

Anticipate late complications in adults with repaired congenital heart disease, including arrhythmia, ventricular dysfunction, Eisenmenger physiology, and endocarditis prophylaxis indications.

Calculate 10-year atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk on six patient profiles and translate each result into statin intensity, LDL threshold, and lifestyle recommendation.

Debate the appropriate use of aspirin for primary prevention by weighing bleeding risk against cardiovascular benefit in specific patient subgroups.

Set evidence-based targets for blood pressure, lipids, glucose, and physical activity, and state the role of lipoprotein(a) and coronary calcium scoring in risk refinement.

Manage cardiogenic shock by sequencing vasopressor, inotrope, and mechanical circulatory support decisions alongside revascularization timing.

Estimate perioperative cardiac risk using the Revised Cardiac Risk Index and functional capacity assessment, then decide which patients need further testing before noncardiac surgery.

Resolve perioperative medication questions involving beta-blockers, antiplatelet agents, and anticoagulation bridging by applying current evidence to written scenarios.

Identify ICU-specific arrhythmias and conduction disturbances and state the indications for temporary pacing, amiodarone, and electrolyte correction.

Re-audit your error log from weeks 1 through 6 and re-teach the three weakest concepts from memory without notes.

Complete two full-length timed practice examinations under exam conditions and record accuracy by domain.

Re-derive the management algorithm for every domain using blank-paper recall, then compare against your earlier summaries to expose residual gaps.

Convert every missed practice question into a single-line teaching point and cluster those points into recurring failure patterns.

Drill the five highest-frequency recurring patterns with targeted question blocks until each exceeds 85% accuracy.