Important Note

Electrocardiogram - the graphic record of the heart's integrated action currents obtained with the electrocardiograph displayed as voltage changes over time. (Adapted by Tufts OCW.)

The Introduction to Cardiovascular Pathophysiology course provides the students with two main objectives.  It delineates the material students are expected to understand and have recalled from the basic cardiac physiology lectures and it  expands on the discussion of the hemodynamic perturbations of cardiac function.

In the second year Introduction to Cardiovascular Pathophysiology course, students will be introduced to the pathophysiologic basis for common cardiovascular diseases. This includes the basics of  hemodynamic perturbations and congenital and arrhythmic disorders of the heart. Students are also introduced to the spectrum of coronary disease and cardiomyopathies as well as the basics of vascular diseases. By the end of the course, students are familiar with common cardiovascular entities. The course will allow them to embark on a broader  future understanding of the diagnosis and management of cardiovascular diseases.