The Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System: A Digital, Three-Dimensional Exploration

Although the blockade of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) is firmly established as a target of successful therapeutics in the treatment of cardiovascular and renal disease, few tools are available to assist physicians in their understanding of exactly how the RAAS impacts the human body. In addition, there are a limited number of resources that provide the practitioner with a deeper understanding of the RAAS and RAAS-targeted pharmacotherapies related to hypertensive cardiovascular disease.

The goal of this educational activity is to utilize a faculty-led interactive digital tool for participants to independently learn the basic and in-depth principles, as well as the complexities, of RAAS as they relate to human health. This activity will not only help practitioners learn about the RAAS, but also the various mechanisms of actions characteristic of the pharmacotherapies formulated to effectively target this system.  This intervention is  developed consistant  with the JNC7 guidelines and content is supported by faculty comment, creating an immediate interplay between patient, disease, RAAS, and guidance-based therapeutic options.

At the conclusion of this program participants should be able to:

• Describe the biophysiology of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and identify the anatomy involved
• Differentiate how the RAAS impacts organ systems through out the human body and identify at least two organ systems affected
• Contrast and compare various mechanisms of action (MOA) of pharmacotherapeutics formulated to target the RAAS and match 3 classes of agents to their specific MOA
• Recognize formal guidance correlated to therapeutic decision-making and identify 3 guidance statements directly related to therapeutics that effectively target the RAAS for improved health

This educational activity is designed for cardiologists and primary care physicians interested in or involved with the treatment of patients with cardiovascular disease.

Temple University School of Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to sponsor Continuing Medical Education for physicians.

Temple University School of Medicine designates this educational activity for a maximum of 0.5 AMA Physician’s Recognition Award Category 1 Credit(s)™.  Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

It is the policy of Temple University School of Medicine; The Albert J. Finestone, M.D. Office for Continuing Medical Education to ensure balance, independence, objectivity and scientific rigor in all of its sponsored or jointly sponsored educational programs.  All faculty participating in programs sponsored or jointly sponsored by Temple University School of Medicine are expected to disclose to the program audience any real or apparent conflict(s) of interest related to the content of their presentation(s).

The information presented at this CME program represents the views and opinions of the individual presenters, and does not constitute the opinion or endorsement of, or promotion by, Temple University School of Medicine, Temple University Health System or its affiliates.  Reasonable efforts have been taken intending for educational subject matter to be presented in a balanced, unbiased fashion and in compliance with regulatory requirements.  However, each program attendee must always use his/her own personal and professional judgment when considering further application of this information, particularly as it may relate to patient diagnostic or treatment decisions including, without limitation, FDA-approved uses and any off-label uses.