Cardiology for the Internist
PRE 1002 Wednesday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
David L. Fischman, MD, FACP; Geno J. Merli, MD, FACP; Howard H. Weitz, FACC, MD, FACP; Matthew V. DeCaro, MD, Member; Rosario Freeman, MS, MD; Sharon Rubin, MD; Stephen Kopecky, MD, FACP

This Pre-Course provides a focused update of the diagnostic, preventive, and therapeutic approach to the patient at risk for or with known cardiovascular disease. Expert clinician-educators will focus on the cardiovascular disease issues that internists are most frequently faced with. Subjects covered include identification and management of acute and chronic coronary artery disease, optimal treatment of congestive heart failure, risk assessment and risk reduction for the patient with cardiac disease who undergoes noncardiac surgery, approach to the patient with valvular heart disease, state-of-the-art approach to the patient with atrial fibrillation, approach to the patient with a variety of non-coronary emergencies including pericardial tamponade and hypertensive emergency, and basic vascular disease for the internist.

Learning Objectives:

1. Develop diagnostic and treatment strategies for patients with coronary artery disease (acute and chronic).
2. Understand the approach to new-onset as well as recurrent congestive heart failure.
3. Become familiar with the ACC/AHA guideline on valvular heart disease.
4. Become familiar with the guidelines for the evaluation and care of the patient with cardiovascular disease who undergoes noncardiac surgery.
5. Understand the diagnostic and therapeutic approach for venous and peripheral arterial disease.
6. Become familiar with diagnosis and management of pericardial effusion and pericardial tamponade.
7. Become familiar with the treatment of hypertensive emergencies.
8. Understand the diagnostic and therapeutic approach to the patient who presents with acute coronary syndrome and is found to have evidence of gastrointestinal bleeding.
9. Become familiar with diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for the patient with atrial fibrillation.