Target Audience:

• MBBS graduates and general practitioners
• Postgraduate medical trainees (internal medicine, cardiology, or related specialties)
• Nurses and allied healthcare professionals specializing in cardiac care

Duration:

• Basic Level: 3 months
• Advanced Level: 6-12 months

Mode of Delivery:

• Hybrid (online lectures and in-person training)
• Interactive workshops, clinical rotations, and simulations

Course Objectives:

1. Develop a strong foundation in cardiovascular anatomy, physiology, and pathology.
2. Train participants to diagnose and manage common and complex cardiovascular conditions.
3. Enhance skills in advanced cardiovascular diagnostic tools and interventional techniques.
4. Promote preventive cardiology and community-based heart health initiatives.

Course Modules:

Module 1: Fundamentals of Cardiology (Month 1)

• Anatomy and physiology of the heart and vascular system
• Pathophysiology of cardiovascular diseases (CVD)
• Epidemiology of CVD in Bangladesh

Module 2: Diagnostic Tools in Cardiology (Month 2)

• Electrocardiography (ECG): Interpretation of normal and abnormal patterns
• Echocardiography: Basics and advanced techniques (e.g., Doppler imaging)
• Cardiac Imaging: Chest X-ray, CT, MRI, and nuclear cardiology
• Invasive Diagnostics: Cardiac catheterization and coronary angiography

Module 3: Common Cardiovascular Diseases (Months 3-4)

• Ischemic Heart Disease (IHD):
  • Acute coronary syndrome (ACS)
  • Chronic stable angina
• Heart Failure:
  • Diagnosis, classification, and management
  • Devices: CRT (Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy) and ICD (Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator)
• Hypertension:
  • Guidelines-based management and complications
• Arrhythmias:
  • Atrial fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia, bradycardias, and pacemaker basics

Module 4: Interventional Cardiology (Months 5-6)

• Coronary Artery Interventions:
  • Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and stenting
  • Management of complications during PCI
• Structural Heart Disease:
  • Techniques for valvuloplasty and TAVI (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation)
• Peripheral Interventions:
  • Angioplasty for peripheral vascular diseases
  • Endovascular procedures

Module 5: Pediatric Cardiology (Month 7)

• Congenital heart diseases (CHD): Types, diagnosis, and management
• Pediatric arrhythmias and rheumatic heart disease
• Surgical and non-surgical treatment options for CHD

Module 6: Preventive Cardiology and Lifestyle Medicine (Month 8)

• Risk factor management: Diabetes, obesity, dyslipidemia, and smoking
• Role of diet, exercise, and stress management in cardiovascular health
• Community awareness programs for heart disease prevention

Module 7: Advanced Cardiac Care (Months 9-10)

• Critical Care Cardiology:
  • Management of cardiogenic shock and cardiac arrest
  • Post-ACS care in intensive cardiac units
• Cardiothoracic Surgery:
  • Basics of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG)
  • Valve replacement and repair surgeries
• Heart Transplant and Artificial Hearts:
  • Emerging trends and ethical considerations

Module 8: Research and Innovations in Cardiology (Month 11)

• Updates on cardiovascular research and treatment guidelines
• Introduction to clinical trials in cardiology
• Role of artificial intelligence and telemedicine in cardiac care

Practical Components:

1. Clinical Rotations:
   • Cardiology outpatient and inpatient departments
   • Participation in cardiac critical care units and cath labs
2. Workshops and Hands-On Training:
   • ECG and echocardiography interpretation
   • Simulated PCI and angiography procedures
   • Basic life support (BLS) and advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) training
3. Case Discussions and Multidisciplinary Meetings:
   • Weekly discussion of complex cases
   • Collaboration with cardiac surgeons, radiologists, and primary care teams
4. Community Engagement:
   • Conducting cardiovascular health camps
   • Educating communities on risk factors and early symptoms

Assessment and Certification:

• Basic Level:
  • Written and oral exams (MCQs and case-based questions)
  • Clinical skills assessment through OSCE
• Advanced Level:
  • Final exam (theoretical and practical components)
  • Submission of a case portfolio or research project

Viva voce with senior cardiologists