Coronary artery disease

The course is divided into five units, each focusing on different aspects of coronary artery disease:

Unit 1: Definitions and Data
This unit covers the basic definitions and epidemiology of ischemic heart disease and coronary artery disease. Participants will understand the distinction between these conditions and their implications. The unit also highlights the prevalence and burden of CAD, providing context for its significance in clinical practice.

Unit 2: Understanding Risk Factors
In this unit, risk factors for CAD are discussed, including modifiable factors like smoking, cholesterol levels, hypertension, and diabetes, as well as non-modifiable factors such as age, gender, and family history. The importance of absolute risk assessment, including the use of tools like the Australian cardiovascular disease risk calculator, is emphasized​.

Unit 3: Lifestyle Approaches for Risk Factors in CAD
This unit explores lifestyle interventions aimed at reducing the risk of CAD. Topics include smoking cessation, healthy eating, physical activity, weight management, and stress reduction. Practical tips are provided to help patients adopt healthier habits and manage their risk factors effectively.

Unit 4: CAD – Diagnosis and Management
This unit focuses on the clinical diagnosis and management of CAD. It covers essential diagnostic tools such as blood tests, ECGs, stress tests, and the use of coronary artery calcium (CAC) scoring for risk assessment. The unit also explores treatment strategies, including lifestyle changes, medications like statins and beta-blockers, and interventional approaches such as angioplasty and bypass surgery​.

Unit 5: Putting It Together – Case Study and Summary
The final unit ties everything together with a case study illustrating the practical application of the concepts learned. It emphasizes the importance of individualized care plans and regular follow-ups to ensure effective long-term management of coronary artery disease​.

Presented by Dr. Joe Kosterich, this course offers a practical and comprehensive approach to understanding and managing CAD, ensuring participants are equipped to improve patient outcomes.