📘 Step 1 — Curriculum Coverage

This topic uses the AIM Learning Cycle to help MBBS students understand cardiac electrophysiology and excitation–contraction mechanisms by integrating Physiology and Functional Correlation.

🔹 Physiology

• Describe the excitation–contraction process in cardiac muscle
• Describe chronotropic, inotropic and dromotropic effects
• Differentiate excitation–contraction process in cardiac and skeletal muscle cells
• Explain phases of cardiac muscle action potential
• Describe the characteristics of cardiac action potentials and the role of slow calcium channels in causing plateau and its significance
• Define various types of refractory periods
• Differentiate the refractory period of cardiac muscle from skeletal muscle
• Describe the significance of prolonged action potential in cardiac muscle

🩺 Clinical Importance

• Correlate disturbances in cardiac electrophysiology with arrhythmias and abnormal cardiac contractility