Cardiovascular Emergencies Course

Lesson 1 • Cardiac Conduction System

Traces impulse generation from the sinoatrial node through the His-Purkinje network. Provides the anatomical basis for interpreting rhythm disturbances.

Lesson 2 • Heart Chambers and Valves

Covers the four chambers, valve positions, and directional blood flow. Establishes structural baseline for understanding pump failure and obstruction.

Lesson 3 • Peripheral Vascular Anatomy

Reviews major arterial and venous pathways relevant to vascular emergencies. Supports assessment of perfusion deficits and access site selection.

Lesson 1 • Determinants of Cardiac Output

Explains preload, afterload, contractility, and heart rate as output variables. Links each determinant to specific emergency presentations and interventions.

Lesson 2 • Mechanisms of Acute Heart Failure

Describes forward and backward failure, compensatory mechanisms, and decompensation triggers. Prepares learners to anticipate pulmonary edema and cardiogenic shock.

Lesson 3 • Myocardial Oxygen Supply and Demand

Defines the balance between coronary perfusion and myocardial metabolic needs. Establishes the physiological basis for ischemia and infarction progression.

Lesson 1 • Primary Survey and Vital Signs

Applies the ABCDE framework to cardiovascular patients with time-sensitive presentations. Identifies immediate life threats before detailed history is obtained.

Lesson 2 • Risk Stratification Tools

Introduces validated scoring systems for chest pain, heart failure, and arrhythmia risk. Guides disposition decisions and escalation thresholds in emergency settings.

Lesson 3 • Focused Cardiac History

Structures rapid history-taking using symptom onset, quality, radiation, and associated features. Differentiates high-risk from low-risk presentations efficiently.

Lesson 1 • Life-Threatening Arrhythmia Recognition

Trains rapid identification of ventricular fibrillation, tachycardia, and complete heart block. Links each rhythm to its hemodynamic consequence and urgency level.

Lesson 2 • Supraventricular Arrhythmias

Distinguishes atrial fibrillation, flutter, SVT, and accessory pathway rhythms. Determines which rhythms require immediate intervention versus monitoring.

Lesson 3 • Conduction Abnormalities

Covers bundle branch blocks, fascicular blocks, and AV conduction delays. Identifies patterns that mask or mimic ischemia and affect treatment choices.

Lesson 4 • ECG Fundamentals and Lead Placement

Reviews waveform components, intervals, and correct electrode positioning. Prevents misinterpretation caused by lead reversal or artifact.

Lesson 1 • ACS Classification and Pathophysiology

Differentiates plaque rupture, thrombus formation, and partial versus complete occlusion. Connects pathophysiology to the clinical and ECG presentations of each ACS type.

Lesson 2 • Initial Stabilization and Pharmacotherapy

Applies oxygen, antiplatelet, anticoagulant, and nitrate therapy in the correct sequence. Prioritizes interventions by time-sensitivity and contraindication screening.

Lesson 3 • Complications of Acute MI

Identifies mechanical, electrical, and hemodynamic complications arising after infarction. Enables early detection and escalation before complications become fatal.

Lesson 1 • Resuscitation Pharmacology

Reviews epinephrine, amiodarone, lidocaine, and vasopressin roles in cardiac arrest algorithms. Specifies dosing intervals and the evidence base for each agent.

Lesson 2 • Defibrillation and Cardioversion

Covers energy selection, pad placement, and safe shock delivery for shockable rhythms. Distinguishes synchronized cardioversion from unsynchronized defibrillation by indication.

Lesson 3 • Post-Resuscitation Care

Manages hemodynamics, oxygenation, and targeted temperature after return of spontaneous circulation. Prevents secondary brain injury and recurrent arrest in the post-ROSC period.

Lesson 4 • Advanced Airway Management in Arrest

Compares bag-mask ventilation, supraglottic airways, and endotracheal intubation during resuscitation. Addresses timing and technique to avoid interrupting compressions.

Lesson 1 • Mechanical Circulatory Support

Introduces intra-aortic balloon pump, Impella, and ECMO as escalation options in refractory shock. Covers insertion indications, contraindications, and monitoring parameters.

Lesson 2 • Acute Heart Failure Presentations

Classifies wet-dry and warm-cold profiles to guide initial therapy selection. Connects hemodynamic profiles to the pathophysiology covered in earlier chapters.

Lesson 3 • Cardiogenic Shock Recognition

Defines hemodynamic criteria and clinical signs distinguishing cardiogenic from other shock types. Applies the SCAI shock classification to guide escalation decisions.

Lesson 4 • Diuresis and Decongestion Strategies

Applies loop diuretics, vasodilators, and ultrafiltration to relieve congestion safely. Monitors response and adjusts therapy to avoid over-diuresis and renal injury.

Lesson 1 • Structural and Valvular Emergencies

Covers acute mitral regurgitation, aortic stenosis crisis, and prosthetic valve thrombosis. Identifies when urgent surgical or catheter-based intervention is required.

Lesson 2 • Aortic Dissection Recognition and Management

Differentiates Type A and Type B dissection by anatomy, presentation, and treatment urgency. Covers imaging selection, blood pressure control, and surgical referral criteria.

Lesson 3 • Cardiac Tamponade and Pericarditis

Identifies Beck's triad, pulsus paradoxus, and echocardiographic signs of tamponade. Covers pericardiocentesis technique and pericarditis anti-inflammatory treatment.

Lesson 4 • Pulmonary Embolism Management

Stratifies PE severity from low-risk to massive using clinical and hemodynamic criteria. Guides anticoagulation, thrombolysis, and catheter-directed therapy decisions.