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 by 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: - 30 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