But what happens when it doesn't work as well as it should? This course, Understanding cardiovascular diseases, explains what happens in cardiovascular disease, when the heart's performance is affected, how the normal function of blood vessels is impaired, and what treatments are available. Whether you are a patient, relative, friend or healthcare professional, you will find the course interesting.

Course learning outcomes

After studying this course, you should be able to:

• Describe, in general terms, the different types of cardiovascular diseases, making clear the difference between the terms cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and coronary heart disease (CHD)
• Identify different areas of the body likely to be affected by cardiovascular diseases
• Locate information on the internet, and understand and interpret data on disease occurrence
• Recognise the importance of historical and geographical factors in the changing profile of cardiovascular disease incidence worldwide
• Identify and list a number of risk factors that contribute to the development of cardiovascular diseases.