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This module introduces you to the functions of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, which are co-ordinated closely to serve a common purpose; i.e., delivery of oxygen to the tissues and removal of carbon dioxide. This module considers how we breathe and how oxygen and nutrients are delivered to the tissues, and the waste products of tissue metabolism are carried away. Because of their functional association, if lung function is impaired it will often lead to cardiovascular complications. Equally, cardiovascular dysfunction is often associated with respiratory complications.

You will consider the role of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems in maintaining a stable environment for cell function, how the heart works as a pump, how blood circulates through the body, and how air gets in and out of the lungs. Further, you will examine how these systems are regulated to respond to changing demands and how they might malfunction in disease.

In conjunction with the above you will study the pathology of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, as well as psychological, sociological and epidemiological aspects of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. You will begin to consider how cardiovascular and respiratory diseases can be treated by drugs (Use of Medicines).

At the end of this module you should be able to:

Explain, with the aid of diagrams, the organisation, structure and function of the cardiovascular system.

Explain, with the aid of diagrams, the organisation, structure and physiological features of the respiratory system.

Perform examination of pulmonary and cardiovascular function by measuring blood pressure, pulse and heart rate, listening to heart and breath sounds, interpreting chest x-rays, obtaining an ECG, and interpreting blood gases and electrolytes

Interpret and appraise evidence of the origin of and risk associated with common cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases.

This 15 credit module will cover the different elements of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems and the most common diseases affecting them. Case presentation style sessions focusing on the reality of disease will be delivered.