Causes of Human Disease: Understanding Cardiovascular Disease from FutureLearn

Most FutureLearn courses run multiple times. Every run of a course has a set start date but you can join it and work through it after it starts. Find out more The course is suitable for anyone with a general interest in the science behind causes of human disease. No previous knowledge or experience is required. If you are working in nursing, healthcare or social care, or just wish to learn more, this course is designed to support you as a professional. By completing all aspects of the course you will have achieved 14 hours of CPD time. You can use the hashtag #FLcardiodisease to talk about this course on social media.

Topics Covered

The anatomy of the heart, arteries, veins and the composition of blood.
Cardiovascular diseases, and how they can develop and progress over time.
Statistical trends in cardiovascular disease over the decades and across the world.
The two most common risk factors for the development of cardiovascular diseases: high blood pressure and high-glucose levels.
Causes, risk factors and basic management of high blood pressure and diabetes.
Basic treatment options (medications and interventions) for hypertension and diabetes.
The socio-economic impact of hypertension and diabetes.

Reviews summary

Accessible introduction to cardiovascular disease causes

According to learners, this course offers a highly clear and accessible positive introduction to the causes and major risk factors positive of cardiovascular diseases. Students found the explanations of complex topics, such as heart anatomy neutral and disease mechanisms like hypertension positive and diabetes positive, to be very easy to follow, even with no prior medical background positive. Many appreciate the well-structured modules positive, engaging instructors positive, and helpful quizzes positive. While widely considered a solid foundation positive for beginners and those with general interest, some reviewers with existing science or medical knowledge felt certain sections were too basic warning and could benefit from greater depth warning, particularly regarding treatment options or pathophysiology.

Appreciated unique topics like trends and impact.

"the sections on socioeconomic impact were particularly insightful..."

"I appreciated the historical perspective on disease trends."

"The discussion of global trends was also interesting."

"The focus on preventable risk factors was strong."

Well-structured with engaging materials.

"Well-paced and the content was accurate."

"The videos were well-produced and the accompanying text materials were good."

"The course flow was logical and easy to follow."

"The instructors were engaging."

"Solid foundational course... The format is easy to follow."

Great for beginners, also useful for professionals.

"As someone with no prior medical background, I found..."

"Useful for refreshing knowledge... for a healthcare professional"

"Great for general knowledge and understanding personal health risks."

"Better suited for absolute novices."

"The level is perfect for someone wanting a general understanding."

Excellent coverage of hypertension and diabetes.

"focusing heavily on hypertension and diabetes."

"The focus on high blood pressure and diabetes as major risk factors was appropriate and well-explained."

"The sections on high blood pressure and diabetes were very informative."

Content is clear and easy to understand.

"I found the explanations incredibly clear and easy to understand."

"The instructors did a great job of breaking down complex topics."

"The content is presented in a very accessible way."

"It simplified complex concepts effectively."

"The videos are clear and the examples used help illustrate points well."

May feel superficial to those with prior knowledge.

"Some parts felt a bit basic for a healthcare professional..."

"I found some sections a bit too simple..."

"Found this course to be too superficial."

"If you have any prior medical knowledge, you will likely find it boring."

"Don't expect advanced clinical detail."

Career center

Learners who complete Causes of Human Disease: Understanding Cardiovascular Disease will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers: