A keen study of our heart, its inner workings, and the best habits we can implement to make it healthier.

180,000 people die of cardiovascular diseases in the U.K. every year.

The heart is arguably our most important organ and a vital component of a finely tuned cardiovascular system.

We cannot function without the heart doing its job effectively.

In this FutureLearn course, Natasha Barrett, cardiovascular biology and hematology lecturer at the University of Reading, details the structure and function of the cardiovascular system and the conditions that can affect it.

Each individual has risk factors for cardiovascular disease, but some of these are modifiable or lifestyle-related.

If the heart is put under pressure by having reduced access to oxygen and nutrients, this can cause heart attacks and ultimately heart failure.