Objective of the Course: The study of diseases of the cardiovascular system: natural history, aetiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic approach, treatment and prognosis.

Content of the Course:

• Clinical manifestations of cardiovascular diseases. Cardiovascular symptoms - Differential diagnosis.
• Physical examination of the cardiovascular system.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG). Basic principles. Normal ECG and recognition of abnormal findings.
• Diseases of the cardiovascular system: natural history, aetiology and essential pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic approach, treatment and prognosis.
• Coronary artery disease. Stable coronary artery disease and acute coronary syndromes (unstable angina, acute coronary syndrome with and without ST elevation). Heart failure. Valvular Heart Disease. Cardiomyopathies. Pericarditis. Endocarditis. Syncope. Disturbances of cardiac rhythm. Congenital heart disease. Peripheral Vascular Disease. Cardiogenic Shock. Cardiopulmonary arrest / rejuvenation.
• Basic principles of diagnostic approach in cardiology: history, physical examination, laboratory tests, non-invasive and invasive investigations.
• Basic principles of treatment approach in cardiology: lifestyle measures, medications, invasive methods, surgical approach, implantable devices and other non-pharmaceutical measures.
• Cardiovascular medications.
• Urgent cardiovascular conditions - cardiorespiratory arrest / resuscitation. Basic knowledge and management algorithms.

Types of training and learning outcomes:  The course includes both theoretical lectures and clinical training (by the bedside) in small student groups. During the course, the students become fully involved in all activities of the Department of Cardiology by rotating (in even smaller student groups) in patient wards, in the Acute and Emergency Department (Cardiology section), Coronary Care Unit, Catheterization Laboratory, Laboratories of Echocardiography and Exercise Testing. Students also participate actively in the work of the Acute and Emergency Department during the general on-call hours (in the afternoon). They acquire theoretical and practical knowledge working side-by-side with University Staff and they perform several medical procedures (e.g. venopunctures, insertion of venous catheters, arterial gases, ECG).

At the end of the course, the students should be able to perform the diagnosis, differential diagnosis and essential treatment of patients with chronic and acute cardiovascular conditions.

Hours of training per student: 125

Semester: 7th + 8th (rotation)

ECTS: 6