====== Cardiovascular Pharmacology ======

Cardiovascular pharmacology is the study of how we manipulate pressure, flow, volume, and electrical conduction to improve outcomes.

This section is organized into progressive modules.

Each module builds on the previous one — from physiology → mechanisms → disease states → clinical decision-making.

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===== Module 1: Foundations of Hemodynamics =====

Before treating disease, you must understand pressure and flow.

Core equations:
**MAP = CO × SVR**
**CO = HR × SV**

This module covers:
• Blood flow as a circuit  
• Preload, afterload, and contractility  
• Short-term regulation (baroreceptors)  
• Long-term regulation (RAAS and kidney control)

→ [[cardio:intro:Hemodynamics|Go to Module 1: Hemodynamic Foundations]]

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===== Module 2: Lipids & Vascular Disease =====

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory vascular process.

This module focuses on:
• LDL physiology  
• Plaque formation  
• Statins and outcome data  
• Non-statin lipid therapies  
• Risk reduction strategies

→ [[cardio:lipids:start|Go to Module 2: Antilipemics]]

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===== Module 3: Volume & Sodium Handling =====

Blood pressure and heart failure are heavily influenced by volume status.

This module covers:
• Nephron physiology  
• Diuretic classes  
• Electrolyte effects  
• Clinical volume management

→ [[cardio:diuretics:start|Go to Module 3: Diuretics]]

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===== Module 4: Hypertension =====

Hypertension results from increased cardiac output, increased systemic vascular resistance, or both.

This module integrates:
• RAAS blockade  
• Calcium channel blockers  
• Beta blockers  
• Direct vasodilators  
• Guideline-directed therapy

→ [[cardio:hypertension:start|Go to Module 4: Hypertension]]

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===== Module 5: Ischemic Heart Disease & Angina =====

Angina is a mismatch between myocardial oxygen supply and demand.

This module covers:
• Determinants of oxygen demand  
• Nitrates  
• Beta blockers  
• Calcium channel blockers  
• Acute vs chronic management

→ [[cardio:angina:start|Go to Module 5: Anti-Anginal Therapy]]

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===== Module 6: Heart Failure =====

Heart failure is a state of impaired forward flow and maladaptive neurohormonal activation.

This module focuses on:
• HFrEF vs HFpEF  
• Preload and afterload reduction  
• RAAS inhibition  
• Beta blockade  
• Mortality-reducing therapy (GDMT)

→ [[cardio:heart_failure:start|Go to Module 6: Heart Failure]]

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===== Module 7: Cardiac Electrophysiology & Dysrhythmias =====

Electrical instability leads to abnormal automaticity and conduction.

This module includes:
• Cardiac action potentials  
• Vaughan-Williams classification  
• Rate vs rhythm control  
• Proarrhythmic risks

→ [[cardio:arrhythmias:start|Go to Module 7: Dysrhythmias]]

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