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Metabolic Risk Factors and Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease

Dr. David Maron

Metabolic risks such as hypertension, lipid disorders and diabetes are the most common risk factors for coronary artery disease. In the US, hypertension is only becoming more common, as are elevated levels of the two lipoproteins responsible for heart disease causing cholesterol. Globally, the prevalence of diabetes has also more than doubled since 1990 and has recently been declared an epidemic by the World Health Organization. In this course from the Stanford Center for Health Education (SCHE), you will learn how metabolic factors can affect an individual’s risk of coronary artery disease. You will also determine the diagnostic criteria for hypertension and lipid disorders, and examine how to assess a patient for diabetes.

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Metabolic risks such as hypertension, lipid disorders and diabetes are the most common risk factors for coronary artery disease. In the US, hypertension is only becoming more common, as are elevated levels of the two lipoproteins responsible for heart disease causing cholesterol. Globally, the prevalence of diabetes has also more than doubled since 1990 and has recently been declared an epidemic by the World Health Organization. In this course from the Stanford Center for Health Education (SCHE), you will learn how metabolic factors can affect an individual’s risk of coronary artery disease. You will also determine the diagnostic criteria for hypertension and lipid disorders, and examine how to assess a patient for diabetes.

What you'll learn

  • Learn how to define healthy levels of blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels

  • Learn how to examine the pathophysiology of metabolic risks and their effects on coronary artery disease

  • Learn how to determine the presence of hypertension, lipid disorders, and diabetes in an individual.

Enroll now

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Assists learners in understanding metabolic risks, including hypertension, lipid disorders, and diabetes
Informs learners about the pathophysiology of metabolic risks and their effects on coronary artery disease
Provides guidance on how to assess a patient for hypertension, lipid disorders, and diabetes
Explains how metabolic factors can affect an individual's risk of coronary artery disease
Suitable for healthcare professionals, students, and individuals interested in metabolic health

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Reviews summary

Expert insights on metabolic cardiovascular risk

According to learners, this course provides expert insights into the pathophysiology of metabolic risk factors and their impact on atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Students found the content highly relevant for understanding hypertension, lipid disorders, and diabetes, appreciating the clarity of explanations for complex topics. The instructors' expertise from Stanford University is frequently highlighted as a major strength, making the lectures informative and engaging. While the course offers a comprehensive overview, some note that a foundational understanding of medical concepts is beneficial for optimal engagement.
Organised effectively for progressive learning.
"The course is <span class='positive'>logically structured, building knowledge module by module, which really helped."
"I found the <span class='positive'>progression of topics very smooth, making complex information easier to digest over time."
"Each <span class='positive'>module felt complete and purposeful, contributing to a holistic understanding of the subject."
Directly applicable to clinical understanding and patient assessment.
"The course material is <span class='positive'>directly relevant to my clinical practice, especially in assessing metabolic risk."
"I can immediately apply the <span class='positive'>diagnostic criteria and understanding of pathophysiology to patient cases."
"It significantly improved my ability to <span class='positive'>identify and understand metabolic risk factors in patients."
Delivered by highly knowledgeable Stanford faculty.
"The <span class='positive'>instructors are highly knowledgeable and convey complex topics in an accessible manner."
"Having <span class='positive'>Stanford faculty teach this course truly elevates its quality and credibility."
"I particularly appreciated how the <span class='positive'>lectures were presented, reflecting deep expertise in the field."
Delivers in-depth, scientifically rigorous information.
"This course offers a <span class='positive'>deep dive into metabolic risk factors, presenting accurate and current information crucial for understanding CVD."
"I found the <span class='positive'>pathophysiology explanations exceptionally clear and the diagnostic criteria well-defined, very helpful for my practice."
"The content on hypertension and diabetes was <span class='positive'>thorough and up-to-date, exactly what I needed to enhance my knowledge."
Best for those with some prior medical or biological background.
"While excellent, I'd suggest this course is <span class='warning'>best suited for learners with a basic medical background; it moves quickly."
"As a lifelong learner without a medical degree, I found some sections <span class='warning'>quite dense and challenging without prior context."
"If you're new to the field, be prepared to do some <span class='neutral'>additional background reading to fully grasp all concepts."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Metabolic Risk Factors and Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease with these activities:
Review medical terminology
Reviewing medical terminology will provide you with a solid basis for understanding the key terms and concepts in the course.
Browse courses on Medical Terminology
Show steps
  • Familiarize yourself with the basic structure and components of medical terms.
  • Practice identifying and defining medical terms using a dictionary or online resources.
  • Test your understanding by completing practice exercises or quizzes.
Watch video tutorials
Watching video tutorials will provide you with additional explanations and demonstrations of the concepts covered in the course.
Browse courses on Coronary Artery Disease
Show steps
  • Find video tutorials on the topics you are struggling with.
  • Watch the tutorials carefully and take notes on the key concepts.
  • Review the tutorials as needed to reinforce your understanding.
Read the textbook
Reading the textbook will provide you with a comprehensive overview of the topics covered in the course.
View Exercise: A Scientific and Clinical Overview on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read each chapter carefully and take notes on the key concepts.
  • Summarize the main points of each chapter in your own words.
  • Complete the practice questions and exercises at the end of each chapter.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Solve practice problems
Solving practice problems will help you develop your problem-solving skills and reinforce the concepts you learn in the course.
Browse courses on Hypertension
Show steps
  • Find practice problems from textbooks, online resources, or the course materials.
  • Work through the problems step-by-step and check your answers.
  • Identify any areas where you need additional practice or clarification.
Participate in discussion forums
Participating in discussion forums will allow you to interact with other students and get different perspectives on the course material.
Show steps
  • Join the course discussion forums.
  • Post questions and comments on the topics you are interested in.
  • Respond to other students' posts and engage in discussions.
Create a concept map
Creating a concept map will help you visualize the relationships between the different concepts covered in the course.
Show steps
  • Identify the main concepts and subtopics in the course.
  • Organize the concepts into a hierarchical structure.
  • Draw a diagram to represent the relationships between the concepts.
Volunteer at a hospital or clinic
Volunteering at a hospital or clinic will give you hands-on experience working with patients and learning about the practical aspects of cardiovascular care.
Browse courses on Coronary Artery Disease
Show steps
  • Find a hospital or clinic that offers volunteer opportunities in the cardiovascular unit.
  • Apply for the volunteer position and complete the necessary training.
  • Volunteer regularly and assist with tasks such as patient care, data entry, or research.

Career center

Learners who complete Metabolic Risk Factors and Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Medical Doctor
Medical doctors who specialize in cardiology focus on preventing, diagnosing, and treating conditions related to the heart. This includes conditions such as coronary artery disease, which is the leading cause of death in the United States. This course may be useful for medical doctors who wish to specialize in cardiology, as it provides an in-depth look at the metabolic risk factors for coronary artery disease.
See salaries and explore the career path for Medical Doctor
Registered Nurse
Registered nurses (RNs) provide direct patient care and work under the direction of physicians. They assess patients' health needs, develop and implement care plans, and provide education and support to patients and their families. This course may be useful for RNs who work in cardiology or who want to learn more about the metabolic risk factors for coronary artery disease.
See salaries and explore the career path for Registered Nurse
Physician Assistant
Physician assistants (PAs) are licensed healthcare professionals who work under the supervision of physicians. They provide a wide range of medical services, including diagnosing and treating illnesses, prescribing medications, and performing minor surgeries. This course may be useful for PAs who work in cardiology or who want to learn more about the metabolic risk factors for coronary artery disease.
See salaries and explore the career path for Physician Assistant
Dietitian
Dietitians are food and nutrition experts who help people make healthy eating choices. They assess patients' nutritional needs, develop and implement nutrition plans, and provide education and support to patients and their families. This course may be useful for dietitians who work with patients who have coronary artery disease or who want to learn more about the metabolic risk factors for coronary artery disease.
See salaries and explore the career path for Dietitian
Health Educator
Health educators develop and implement educational programs to promote health and prevent disease. They work with individuals, groups, and communities to provide information and support on a variety of health topics, including nutrition, physical activity, and chronic disease prevention. This course may be useful for health educators who work with patients who have coronary artery disease or who want to learn more about the metabolic risk factors for coronary artery disease.
See salaries and explore the career path for Health Educator
Pharmacist
Pharmacists dispense medications and provide information about their use. They also work with physicians to monitor patients' medication therapy and to make sure that patients are taking their medications as prescribed. This course may be useful for pharmacists who work with patients who have coronary artery disease or who want to learn more about the metabolic risk factors for coronary artery disease.
See salaries and explore the career path for Pharmacist
Epidemiologist
Epidemiologists study the distribution and determinants of health-related states or events in specified populations. They design and conduct studies to investigate the causes of disease and to develop strategies for prevention and control. This course may be useful for epidemiologists who study cardiovascular disease or who want to learn more about the metabolic risk factors for coronary artery disease.
See salaries and explore the career path for Epidemiologist
Public Health Nutritionist
Public health nutritionists work to improve the health of populations by promoting healthy eating and physical activity. They develop and implement nutrition programs, conduct research, and provide education to the public. This course may be useful for public health nutritionists who work with populations at risk for coronary artery disease or who want to learn more about the metabolic risk factors for coronary artery disease.
See salaries and explore the career path for Public Health Nutritionist
Medical Researcher
Medical researchers design and conduct studies to investigate the causes, prevention, and treatment of diseases. They use a variety of methods, including laboratory experiments, clinical trials, and population studies. This course may be useful for medical researchers who study cardiovascular disease or who want to learn more about the metabolic risk factors for coronary artery disease.
See salaries and explore the career path for Medical Researcher
Cardiovascular Technologist
Cardiovascular technologists perform diagnostic tests on the heart and blood vessels. This enables the physicians to make better-informed diagnoses and decisions regarding appropriate treatments.
See salaries and explore the career path for Cardiovascular Technologist
Exercise Physiologist
Exercise physiologists help people improve their physical fitness and overall health. They design and supervise exercise programs, and they provide guidance on nutrition and lifestyle. They use their knowledge of physiology to explain how physical activity affects the human body.
See salaries and explore the career path for Exercise Physiologist
Health Coach
Health coaches help people make and maintain healthy lifestyle changes. They provide support and guidance to help people achieve their health goals.
See salaries and explore the career path for Health Coach
Insurance Underwriter
Insurance underwriters assess and evaluate the risk of insuring an individual or group. They use their knowledge of insurance products and risk factors to determine whether to issue a policy and at what cost.
See salaries and explore the career path for Insurance Underwriter
Medical Writer
Medical writers create and edit written materials about medical topics. They write for a variety of audiences, including patients, doctors, and researchers.
See salaries and explore the career path for Medical Writer
Pharmaceutical Sales Representative
Pharmaceutical sales representatives promote and sell pharmaceutical products to doctors and other healthcare professionals.
See salaries and explore the career path for Pharmaceutical Sales Representative

Reading list

We've selected seven books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Metabolic Risk Factors and Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease.
Cover image
Braunwald's Heart Disease Elsevier - eBook on...
Save
Another comprehensive textbook of cardiovascular medicine, with a strong focus on the pathophysiology and management of coronary artery disease.
Braunwald's Heart Disease Elsevier - eBook on...
Hardcover
$$$$
Cover image
Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine 18E Vol...
Save
A comprehensive textbook of internal medicine commonly used by medical students and physicians. It provides in-depth coverage of cardiovascular disease, including metabolic risk factors.
Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine 18E Vol...
Paperback
Check
Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine 18E Vol...
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Lipids and Atherosclerosis
Save
A textbook that provides a comprehensive overview of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
Lipids and Atherosclerosis: Advances in...
Kindle Edition
$$$$
Cover image
Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders
Save
A book that provides an overview of the metabolic syndrome and its implications for cardiovascular health.
Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders: Clinical Lab...
Paperback
$$$$
Cover image
Braunwald's Heart Disease
Save
A classic textbook on coronary artery disease, providing a comprehensive review of the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of this condition.
Braunwald's Heart Disease
Paperback
Check
Braunwald's Heart Disease
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, Twenty...
Save
A comprehensive medical textbook covering various aspects of internal medicine, including cardiovascular diseases and metabolic risk factors.
Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, Twenty...
Hardcover
$$$$
Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, Twenty...
Kindle Edition
$$$$
Cover image
The Lipid Handbook, Second Edition
Save
A reference for lipids, providing detailed information on their chemistry, biochemistry, and physiological significance.
The Lipid Handbook, Second Edition
Paperback
Check
The Lipid Handbook, Second Edition
Kindle Edition
Check

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Course image
Effort
2 to 3 hours per week for 4 weeks
Level
Elementary
Via
edX
Institution
Stanford University
Instructor
Dr. David Maron
Language
English
Transcript
English
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Assists learners in understanding metabolic risks, including hypertension, lipid disorders, and diabetes
Informs learners about the pathophysiology of metabolic risks and their effects on coronary artery disease
Provides guidance on how to assess a patient for hypertension, lipid disorders, and diabetes
Explains how metabolic factors can affect an individual's risk of coronary artery disease
Suitable for healthcare professionals, students, and individuals interested in metabolic health
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