BI3BE8: Cardiovascular Disease

Module code: BI3BE8

Module provider: School of Biological Sciences

Credits: 10

Level: 6

When you’ll be taught: Semester 2

Module convenor: Professor David Leake , email: d.s.leake@reading.ac.uk

Module co-convenor: Dr Sam Boateng, email: s.boateng@reading.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s): BEFORE TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST TAKE BI1BEC1 (Compulsory)

Co-requisite module(s):

Pre-requisite or Co-requisite module(s):

Module(s) excluded:

Placement information: NA

Academic year: 2025/6

Available to visiting students: Yes

Talis reading list: No

Last updated: 3 April 2025

Overview

Module aims and purpose

The world’s leading cause of death is cardiovascular disease, mainly coronary heart disease and strokes. The underlying cause is most often atherosclerosis, in which cholesterol is laid down in inflamed arteries. This leads to thrombosis (clotting) and heart attacks and thrombotic strokes, which very sadly are often fatal. In this module, you will learn the latest insights into the causes of heart attacks and strokes and how drugs, including cholesterol-lowering statins, can be used to treat it. The mechanisms by which the heart muscle is damaged by a heart attack and can lead to fatal arrhythmias and heart failure will be discussed. You will also discover how cardiovascular disease is affected by our genetic makeup and how it can be lessened by changes to our lifestyle and diet.

The aim of this module is to describe, at the biochemical and physiological levels, the underlying causes of coronary heart disease and strokes. The scientific rationale for the development and use of drugs to treat cardiovascular disease is discussed. 

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, it is expected that students will be able to:

1. Discuss the current theories for the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis
2. Describe the biochemical mechanisms by which lipid-lowering drugs act
3. Describe the main characteristics of strokes
4. Recognise the importance of thrombosis in coronary heart disease and strokes and describe the biochemical mechanisms by which drugs act to prevent or treat thrombosis
5. Discuss the causes and treatments of cardiac arrhythmias
6. Discuss the causes and treatments of heart failure
7. Discuss the main risk factors for cardiovascular disease and the mechanisms by which they act 
8. Discuss the role of the diet in cardiovascular disease

Module content

The module describes the medical importance of coronary heart disease and strokes. The latest theories for the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis are discussed, followed by the mechanisms that lead to thrombosis, strokes, myocardial infarctions, cardiac arrhythmias and heart failure. The pharmacological treatment of cardiovascular disease is described in terms of lipid-lowering drugs, antithrombotic drugs and drugs to treat arrhythmias and heart failure. The risk factors, and the role of the diet, for coronary heart disease and strokes are discussed, together with their mechanisms of action. 

Students will gain the experience of giving a group talk. 

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

The learning outcomes will be met through a mixture of lectures, self-directed learning and directed independent study. Appropriate supplementary information and reading lists will be provided on Blackboard. 

Study hours

At least 22 hours of scheduled teaching and learning activities will be delivered in person, with the remaining hours for scheduled and self-scheduled teaching and learning activities delivered either in person or online. You will receive further details about how these hours will be delivered before the start of the module.