Physiology and pathophysiology of the cardiovascular system

Cardiovascular diseases play an enormously important role in our healthcare system. Almost every second death in Germany is caused by a disease of the cardiovascular system. Due to this fact, everyone working in the medical and healthcare professions is confronted with cardiovascular patients and their questions in their daily work. Only an understanding of the anatomical-physiological principles of the cardiovascular system makes it possible to understand the pathophysiological conditions of the individual disease patterns, as well as their pharmacotherapeutic possibilities, and to be a competent partner in consultation.

The following topic is divided into four sections. The first part provides basic knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the heart. The membranes and valves of the heart, the main blood vessels and the circulation of the blood are illustrated. We also illustrate the conduction of blood. In the second part, we look at the structure and function of the vessels, i.e. micro- and macrocirculation. In the third part, we deal intensively with the physiology of blood pressure, i.e. control and normal values. The basics of high blood pressure and its general consequences are familiarized. The last part provides an overview of atherosclerosis, the most significant consequence of untreated or inadequately treated hypertension. The most important consequences of atherosclerosis are also discussed. These include Raynaud's syndrome and thrombosis. In addition, the points of attack for pharmacotherapy and individual drugs and their mode of action are illustrated. In addition, a simple test for stroke is taught, to which the emergency call center also reacts more quickly.

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