Student Curriculum
In clinical reviewBeginner-friendly cardiology foundations, vocabulary, common symptoms, tests, and introductory cases.
13 modules
In clinical review. These modules are published for learning while our clinical review roster verifies each one. They reflect current guidelines to the best of our work, but treat them as study material — not a substitute for institutional protocol or supervising-provider direction. Spotted something off? Send feedback →
A gentle on-ramp to cardiology. Start with the basics, build vocabulary and reasoning, and work through beginner cases. When you’re ready, graduate into the APP track.
Scope Note
This curriculum introduces cardiology concepts for learning purposes and should be used under supervision.
Cardiology Basics
What Does Cardiology Do?
A plain-English tour of the specialty: what the heart does, what can go wrong, who is on the team, and where you fit in.
Basic Heart Anatomy and Blood Flow
The four chambers, the four valves, and the one-way path blood takes through the heart and lungs.
Common Cardiology Symptoms
The handful of complaints cardiology patients describe most — what they feel like, what they can mean, and the red flags that mean "get help now."
Common Cardiology Tests
EKG, echo, stress test, blood tests, monitors, and cath — what each one looks at, in plain language.
Common Cardiology Medications
The major drug groups in plain language — what each is for and why patients should never stop them on their own.
How to Present a Cardiology Patient
Tell the patient’s story clearly and in order — a simple structure beginners can use right away.
Beginner Clinical Topics
Chest Pain Basics
What chest pain can mean, the pattern that worries clinicians, and the red flags that mean call 911.
Shortness of Breath Basics
Heart and non-heart causes of breathlessness, what patients describe, and the red flags.
Heart Failure Basics
What heart failure is, why fluid builds up, what EF means, and the daily-weight idea.
Afib Basics
An irregular heartbeat, why it raises stroke risk, and the three big ideas: rate, rhythm, and blood thinners.
Hypertension Basics
High blood pressure made simple — the numbers, why it’s a "silent" risk, and how it’s treated.
Hyperlipidemia Basics
Cholesterol made simple — good vs bad, why it matters, and how statins help.
Syncope Basics
Why people faint, the common harmless cause, and the warning signs that make fainting serious.