B. Physiology and Physiologic Evaluation

Unit Objective:

At the end of this unit the resident understands the physiology of the developing heart, the physiologic changes of advancing age and transition ex-utero, and the physiologic consequences of congenital heart disease. The resident understands the findings in and limitations of invasive and non-invasive tests to define physiologic abnormalities and uses them in patient management.

Learner Objectives:

Upon completion of the unit the resident:

1. Understands normal fetal circulation;
   
   
2. Understands the transitional nature of circulation as the fetus becomes a neonate;
   
   
3. Understands the physiology of obstructions, of intra- and extracardiac shunts, of abnormal connections to the heart, and of combinations of these anomalies in the fetus, neonate, and child.