COURSE XI: Lipids, Atheroma and Disseminated Vascular Disease

The first lesson covers the basic anatomy and physiology of the heart and major blood vessels, the learning initially guided by John Campbell. Having grasped the fundamentals, we reflect on the model of the ‘heart as a pump’. This then turns the focus to the flood plains of the microvasculature, its glycocalyx and the role of structured water in maintaining the flow of our vast waterways. Having opened some of the mysteries of circulation, the lesson closes by contemplating the energetic significance of the human heart seen through traditional Chinese medicine.

The next lesson starts by providing an overview of the epidemiology of vascular disease and the story behind the demonisation of saturated fats and cholesterol. Different lipoproteins and their role in fat transport and metabolism are explored in depth, providing a solid foundation for interpreting blood lipid markers and assessing cardiovascular risk. We look at the pathophysiology of the formation of atheroma and the contributing drivers in this process. The lesson concludes with a study of microvasculature, the heart cells or myocytes, and the importance of mitochondria for a healthy heart.