To show the organization of the course that includes this module, follow this link:  Course organization

Learning outcomes

To acquire cultural grounding of cardiac anatomy and physiology (in particular about the electrical conduction system of the heart). To understand the origin and the significance of the electrocardiogram, recognize a normal ECG and the most important pathological pictures. To recognize and interpret at ECG the main brady and tachyarrhythmias. To understand the basic concepts and physical background of the system/circuit of cardiac pacing and defibrillation.

Program

LESSON 1: cardiac anatomy and physiology, electrical conduction system of the heart; theoretical and practical background of electrocardiography; ECG leads and their significance/interpretation. LESSON 2: characteristics of a normal ECG and normal variants; pathological ECG pictures (ischemia, infarction, conduction disturbances, chamber enlargement and ipertrophy, electrolytes abnormalities). LESSON 3: Basic concepts of arrhythmology; definitions e mechanisms of cardiac arrhythmias; the bradyarrhythmias (sinus bradycardia, sinus pause, block and arrest, brady-tachy syndrome, chronotropic incompetence, fascicular blocks, atrio-ventricular blocks, junctional rhythms, asystole). LESSON 4: supraventricular tachyarrhythmias (SVEB, atrial tachycardia, atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, reentry tachycardias) and ventricular tachyarrhythmias (VEB, monomorphic and polymorphic ventricular tachycardias, ventricular flutter, “torsade de puenta”, ventricular fibrillation). Practical ECG strips (normal and pathological), interactive interpretation of ECG tracings; basic concepts of the circuit/system of cardiac pacing and defibrillation.

Examination Methods

oral examination