340.607.01 INTRODUCTION TO CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE EPIDEMIOLOGY

Discusses the epidemiology and prevention of cardiovascular disease, focusing on coronary heart disease, stroke, and end stage renal disease, emphasizing the interrelationships of biological and behavioral aspects. Focuses on established major modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, putative risk factors, and genetic susceptibility. Covers the social burden of disease and prevention strategies.

This course summarizes present knowledge of distribution, natural history, and risk factors for major cardiovascular diseases. Emphasis is placed on key methodologic aspects for critical interpretation of the published literature and the design and analysis of research in the area. Students will learn to appreciate the definition and symptoms associated with the various cardiovascular diseases, including coronary artery disease, cerebrovascular disease, and kidney disease. The course is organized around the major cardiovascular disease risk factors (hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, obesity, diabetes, and smoking) as well as key pathophysiologic processes (atherosclerosis, inflammation and oxidative damage). The pathogenic sequence of events leading to atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease is discussed as well as the environmental, behavioral and genetic influences on the underlying processes. Strategies for primary and secondary prevention as well as relevant cohort studies and clinical trials are reviewed. Risk score and behavioral aspects of risk as a basis for prevention are discussed as a foundation for epidemiologic study design and research.