Cardiovascular System

Total Contact Hours:

70 hours

Course Director:

Timothy Janz, M.D., Professor of Emergency Medicine

Course Description:

Diseases and illnesses of the cardiovascular system are presented from multiple perspectives, including modern therapies. Learning activities highlight ECG interpretation, making a differential diagnosis, and strategies for prevention of heart disease.

Course Objectives & Integration with the Educational Objectives:

By the conclusion of this course, the student will demonstrate an understanding of:

K1 The heart, including the ability to:

• Describe its normal structure and function, including the heart rate, blood pressure, myocardial function and interactions with the vascular system
• Describe the pathogenesis, clinical presentation, and histopathologic features of coronary artery disease, valvular heart disease, acute and chronic heart failure, endocarditis, pericarditis, myocarditis, and cardiomyopathies
• Demonstrate an understanding of the nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic treatments for the above stated diseases and the mechanisms of action, indications and contraindications, common side effects, and potentially catastrophic drug interactions for the following classes of medications used in the treatment of said pathophysiologic states

K2 The peripheral vasculature, including the ability to:

• Describe the anatomy and physiology of the normal peripheral vasculature and various vascular beds
• Describe the pathogenesis and pathologic and clinical features of hypertension and its impact on other organ systems
• Describe the pathogenesis and pathologic and clinical features associated with hypotension and its impact on other organ systems
• Discuss the non-pharmacologic and pharmacological treatments for hypertension and the impact of treatment on morbidity and mortality
• Describe the treatment of hypotension based on the pathophysiology associated with it

K3Lipid metabolism, including the ability to:

• Describe the normal physiology of lipid metabolism, the different types of lipids, and their potential impact on the cardiovascular system
• Define and describe pathogenesis, pathology, and pathophysiology associated with hyperlipidemia
• Describe the pharmacology for treating hyperlipidemia

K4 The electrophysiology of the heart, including the ability to:

• Describe the electrophysiology associated with the normal heart rate
• Explain the electrophysiology of electrocardiography and its use in assessing cardiac electrical activity
• Describe the electrophysiology, electrocardiographic, and pathology of abnormal tachydysrhythmias and their clinical significance
• Explain the pharmacologic principles of treatment for abnormal cardiac dysrhythmias

K5 Congenital heart disease, including the ability to:

• Describe normal embryonic development of the heart
• Describe the pathogenesis, pathologic features, and clinical signs of common congenital heart abnormalities
• Describe the treatment options associated with common congenital heart abnormalities

C1 Interpersonal communication, including the ability to:

• Work effectively in teams to work toward a group consensus and communicate team decisions during the team-based learning exercise
• Communicate personal questions and opinions during lectures and small group sessions
• Engage in a discussion with small group facilitators during practical electrocardiography sessions

P1 Professionalism, including the ability to:

• Follow the medical student honor code
• Communicate with peers, staff, faculty, and administrators in a courteous and respectful manner
• Respect ethnic, cultural, gender, and age differences among peers, staff, and faculty
• Realize that faculty have other obligations and commitments and may not be able to respond to all requests and e-mails in a timely manner
• Contribute to a positive learning environment, collaborate with colleagues, and perform self-assessment and self-directed learning
• Come prepared and contribute to small group discussion sessions
• Come to class prepared for team-based learning exercises and contribute in a positive manner to the GRAT and Application Exercises by sharing ideas and opinions, respecting the opinions of others in the team, and helping to come to a team consensus or offering a reasoned alternate opinion
• Be respectful and constructive when evaluating their courses, faculty and peers

Learning Activities:

Presentations, Team-Based Learning, ECG workshop.

Assessment:

One MCQ exam, Team-Based Learning.