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Table of Contents
- Course Home
- Objectives
- Matching Exercise
- Introduction
- Anatomy: The Heart
- Anatomy: The Vessels
- Physiology: Introduction
- Physiology: Review of Circulation
- Physiology: The Cardiac Cycle
- Physiology: Innervation of the Heart
- Cardiac Electrophysiology: Introduction
- Cardiac Electrophysiology: Electrolytes
- Cardiac Electrophysiology: Cardiac Automaticity
- Cardiac Electrophysiology: The Cardiac Conduction System
- Cardiac Electrophysiology: Myocardial Contraction
- Sample Cases
- Case 1: Cardiac Tamponade
- Figure 1: Assessment
- Figure 2: Management
- Case 2: Cocaine Overdose
- Figure 3: Assessment
- Figure 4: Management
- Case 3: Hemorrhagic Shock
- Figure 5: Assessment
- Figure 6: Management
- Conclusion
- References
- Bibliography
Introduction
The cardiovascular system is one of the most important organ systems in the human body. It consists of a pump (the heart), a series of highways (the vessels), and a vehicle (the blood). The primary function of this system is to transport nutrients and oxygen to the tissues of the body. This function is made possible, in part, by the complex structure and physiology of the heart, which enables it to beat at a regular rate and rhythm several billion times in a person’s life.
Despite the
impressive durability of the cardiovascular system, there are a number of
processes that can lead to cardiovascular compromise and death. In fact, cardiovascular disease is the
underlying cause in 36.3% of all deaths each year. Moreover, cardiovascular disease has been the
leading cause of death in
The following course will begin by describing the anatomy and physiology of the cardiovascular system. After that, basic principles of cardiac electrophysiology will be detailed. The course will conclude with a presentation of three cardiovascular case studies that will demonstrate how increasing your knowledge of cardiac anatomy and physiology can help you provide even more effective care to your patients.