Unit 1631: Comprehensive Cardiology

1. Anatomy of the Heart

• Structure of the heart
  • Four chambers: right atrium, right ventricle, left atrium, left ventricle
  • Heart valves: tricuspid, pulmonary, mitral (bicuspid), aortic
  • Major blood vessels: superior & inferior vena cava, pulmonary arteries & veins, aorta
• Conduction system
  • Sinoatrial (SA) node
  • Atrioventricular (AV) node
  • Bundle of His and Purkinje fibers
• Functions of each component

2. Cardiac Cycle

• Overview of one heartbeat sequence
• Phases
  • Diastole: ventricular relaxation and filling
  • Atrial contraction (atrial systole)
  • Ventricular contraction (ventricular systole)
• Valve mechanics
  • Opening and closing of atrioventricular and semilunar valves
• Correlation with heart sounds

3. Electrocardiography (ECG)

• Basics of ECG recording
• Wave components
  • P wave: atrial depolarization
  • QRS complex: ventricular depolarization
  • T wave: ventricular repolarization
• Interpretation of ECG
  • Normal sinus rhythm
  • Common abnormalities: arrhythmias, ischemia, infarction indicators

4. Common Cardiac Disorders

• Coronary artery disease (CAD)
  • Causes and pathophysiology
  • Symptoms and complications
• Heart failure
  • Types: systolic vs diastolic
  • Clinical features
• Arrhythmias
  • Types (e.g., atrial fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia)
  • Causes and effects
• Valvular heart disease
  • Stenosis and regurgitation
  • Impact on heart function
• Diagnostic tests overview
• Treatment options

5. Pharmacology in Cardiology

• Antiplatelets (e.g., aspirin)
• Beta-blockers
• ACE inhibitors
• Diuretics
• Antiarrhythmics
• Mechanisms of action
• Indications and contraindications

6. Diagnostic Procedures in Cardiology

• Echocardiography
  • Types: transthoracic, transesophageal
  • Applications
• Stress testing
  • Exercise and pharmacologic stress tests
• Cardiac catheterization
  • Procedure and diagnostic value
• Cardiac MRI
  • Imaging benefits and indications

7. Cardiac Rehabilitation

• Purpose and goals
• Components
  • Exercise training
  • Nutritional counseling
  • Psychological support
• Outcomes and quality of life improvements

8. Preventive Cardiology

• Lifestyle modifications
  • Diet and nutrition
  • Physical activity
  • Smoking cessation
• Blood pressure management
• Cholesterol control
• Risk assessment and monitoring

9. Pediatric Cardiology

• Congenital heart defects
  • Common types and presentations
• Acquired heart diseases in children
• Diagnostic and treatment considerations
• Specialized pediatric cardiac care

10. Emerging Trends in Cardiology

• New technologies
  • Wearable cardiac monitors
  • Advances in imaging
• Research and clinical trials
• Novel treatment modalities
• Updated clinical guidelines