Unit 5: Cardiovascular System

February 12, 2026

Semester 1
BP101T

Introduction to Cardiovascular System

Unit 5 is often considered the ‘Heavyweight’ of HAP-1. The heart is the pump of life. This unit covers the engine (Heart), the fuel lines (Blood Vessels), and the metrics (BP, Pulse, ECG). Understanding the Cardiac Cycle (Systole/Diastole) and the Conduction System (SA Node trigger) is non-negotiable for any pharmacy student. Expect significant questions from this unit in both mid-terms and finals.

Download PDF

Syllabus Topics

  • 1Heart Anatomy: Position, Pericardium, Heart Wall layers, Chambers (Atria/Ventricles), Valves (Tricuspid/Bicuspid).
  • 2Blood Circulation: Systemic, Pulmonary, and Coronary circulation.
  • 3Blood Vessels: Structure and function of Arteries, Veins, and Capillaries.
  • 4Conduction System: SA Node (Pacemaker), AV Node, Bundle of His, Purkinje Fibers.
  • 5Cardiac Cycle: Atrial & Ventricular Systole and Diastole.
  • 6Cardiac Output: Stroke Volume × Heart Rate. Factors affecting CO.
  • 7ECG: Basics of P, QRS, and T waves.
  • 8Blood Pressure: Definition, Regulation (Renin-Angiotensin system, Baroreceptors).
  • 9Disorders: Hypertension, Atherosclerosis, Angina, Myocardial Infarction.

Learning Objectives

Draw the Heart: Create a labeled diagram showing chambers, valves, and major vessels.
Trace Conduction: Map the path of the electrical impulse starting from the SA Node.
Explain Cardiac Cycle: Describe the pressure and volume changes during one heartbeat.
Understand ECG: Correlate ECG waves with atrial/ventricular depolarization/repolarization.
Define Blood Pressure: Explain the short-term and long-term regulation of BP.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Is the diagram of the Heart mandatory?

Yes. Questions like “Describe the internal structure of the heart” are considered incomplete without a neat, labeled diagram showing the chambers and valves.

Q2. What is the Cardiac Cycle?

The cardiac cycle refers to the sequence of events (contraction and relaxation) that occur in the heart during one complete heartbeat. It usually lasts 0.8 seconds:

  • Atrial systole – 0.1 s

  • Ventricular systole – 0.3 s

  • Diastole – 0.4 s

Q3. Why is the Conduction System important?

The conduction system of the heart explains how the heart beats rhythmically without conscious control. Since drugs like anti-arrhythmics act on this system, understanding the SA node and AV node is very important for pharmacology.

Q4. Is blood pressure an important exam topic?

Yes. Blood pressure is a high-yield topic often asked as short notes or 5-mark questions. You should know its definition, normal values, factors affecting it, and methods of regulation.

Q5. Do ECG basics come in exams?

Yes. Basic knowledge of ECG (electrocardiogram) is expected. You should understand the P wave, QRS complex, and T wave and their significance, especially for short-answer questions.