PV Loops Basics

Course Description

This course is intended to provide a concise and rapid means of mastering fundamental concepts of cardiac mechanics and hemodynamics that should be understood by everyone studying cardiac physiology.  The key concepts include those of preload, afterload, contractility, lusitropy, and how these factors come into play in determining blood pressure and cardiac output.

Each chapter contains a brief (5-10 minute) audio-annotated lecture, followed by a guided tutorial in which key concepts are brought to life using the Harvi simulator; the tutorial contains step-by-step instructions interposed with questions to ensure successful navigation through the exercise and understanding of the relevant physiologic concepts.   There is a quiz at the end of each chapter to test comprehension.