Cardiovascular Disease Essentials in Acute Care: A Public Health Crisis

Course overview

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of death and disability in the United States, posing a significant public health crisis that intersects with nearly every area of clinical practice. This course equips acute care providers with essential knowledge of the epidemiological, physiological, and social dimensions of CVD and their impact on patient care. Participants will explore current data on prevalence and hospitalizations, gain insight into both modifiable and nonmodifiable risk factors, and understand how social determinants of health shape cardiovascular outcomes. With a strong emphasis on interprofessional collaboration, prevention strategies, and acute care best practices, the course prepares clinicians to effectively manage CVD in high-acuity settings while promoting long-term wellness and recovery. This content is relevant for providers working in emergency departments, ICUs, telemetry units, inpatient rehabilitation, and other acute or transitional care settings.