Learning Objectives
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to describe the anatomy, physiology, and functions of the cardiovascular system; common disorders of the cardiovascular system, their etiology and symptoms; and therapeutic classes of drugs appropriate for cardiovascular disorders.
Who Should Take This Course
Sales representatives and managers who interact with healthcare professionals, including primary care physicians, cardiologists, surgeons, physician assistants, and nurses and nurse practitioners, pharmacists, and others who treat patients with cardiovascular (CV) disorders, and those whose products significantly influence the function of the CV system.
Career Applications/Benefits
About half of all Americans develop some form of heart disease. Therefore, many healthcare professionals are likely to be involved in some aspect of the prevention and treatment of CV disease. The pharmaceutical industry has developed key agents that treat not only CV disease, but also the risk factors for CV disease. This course will benefit those working for pharmaceutical companies that develop or market products targeted toward CV disease or CV risk factors. Information provided in this course will allow individuals to discuss the value of pharmaceutical therapies with physicians, pharmacists, and others who specialize in the treatment of patients with CV disease or its associated risk factors. In addition, because of the importance of the CV system and the pervasiveness of CV disease, the impact of other diseases and treatments on CV function must often be considered by the physician. Therefore, this course also has relevance for those whose products may influence CV function or may be used to treat conditions that often occur in conjunction with CV disease.
Chapter Content
Chapter One: Anatomy and Physiology of the Cardiovascular System
- Basic Functions and Components of the Cardiovascular System
- Blood
- The Heart and Its Blood Supply
- Arteries, Veins, and Capillaries
- Circulation and the Heart's Conduction System
- Blood Pressure and Flow
Chapter Two: The Lymphatic System
- Components of the Lymphatic System
- Lymphatic Circulation
- Accessory Organs of the Lymphatic System
Chapter Three: Pharmacology Related to the Cardiovascular System
- Overview of Cardiovascular System Disorders
- Pharmacology Relevant to the Cardiovascular System
- Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) Drugs
- Cardiovascular Drugs: Antihypertensives
- Cardiovascular Drugs: Cardiac Glycosides, Inotropes, Natriuretic Peptides, Antianginals, and Antiarrhythmics
- Cardiovascular Drugs: Blood Modifying Agents and Lipid Modifying Agents
Chapter Four: Selected Disorders of the Cardiovascular System
- Cardiovascular Disease: Risk Factors and Diagnosis
- Coronary Artery Disease
- Heart Failure (HF)
- Valvular Disorders and Arrhythmia
- Systemic Hypertension