Ateneo - UPO

The contents concern main heart diseases, with regard to: ischemic
heart disease; valve diseases; pericardial and myocardial diseases;
conditions responsible for heart failure; vascular diseases of the
pulmonary circulation; the most frequent congenital heart diseases. A
mini-course of normal and pathological electrocardiography will also be
held.

Harrison's principles of Internal Medicine
Pathophysiology of heart diseases (Leonard S Lilly)

In general, the module aims to develop a multidisciplinary vision, an education oriented towards the promotion of cardiovascular health and the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, and a knowledge of the new needs of care and health. In particular, the module aims to allow the learning of the principles that determine
and regulate the functional activity of the cardiovascular system and to
provide an understanding of the main pathological scenarios, making the
student mature the understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms
that lead to the functional alterations typical of various cardiovascular
diseases. The module also has the goal of setting the rational bases of
the diagnostic approaches and the
modalities through which the physician tries to intervene in the
pathophysiological processes, modifying it, where possible, with
appropriate therapeutic measures.

The student must possess the necessary concepts of Physics, Chemistry
and Biochemistry, Microbiology, Anatomy, General Pathology and
Physiology.

Teaching is based on projection of slides and videos, exercises and presentation of
clinical cases.

Analysis of diagnostic processes, by direct attendance of the Cardiology
ward and non-invasive/invasive laboratories

The exam consists of:
- 20 multiple choice quizzes
- oral exam focused on a clinical scenario

Pathophysiology and origin of the murmurs. Main valvular diseases.
Valve prosthesis. Pulmonary embolism. Pulmonary hypertension and
chronic pulmonary heart. Congestive heart failure and pulmonary edema.
Myocarditis and cardiomyopathies. Endocarditis and pericarditis. Risk
factors and prevention of ischemic heart disease. Chronic ischemic heart
disease: pathophysiology and diagnosis. Acute myocardial infarction and
its complications. Overview of acute myocardial infarction therapy.
Principles of electrocardiography. Ventricular and supraventricular
arrhythmias. The syncope.
Overview of electrical therapy. Main congenital heart diseases

At the end of the course the student will be able to understand the main
pathophysiological pictures of cardiovascular diseases and will be
able to set up and apply a diagnostic strategy and a process aimed at
modifying, where possible, the
pathology in question with appropriate therapeutic measures.
With regard to the included diseases, the following features are also
expected: adequate autonomy of judgment; appropriate communication
skills; adequate learning capability