Cardiology

Acute Coronary Syndromes | The Importance of Secondary Prevention

Acute Coronary Syndromes The Importance of Secondary Prevention – MM1510

Managing patients with acute coronary syndromes extends well beyond hospitalisation with the index event. It is essential to recognise the importance of secondary prevention as patients with acute coronary syndromes experience higher mortality and morbidity and are at high risk of future cardiovascular events. GPs play a crucial role in optimising secondary prevention to ensure these patients receive the best possible cardiac care.

Modern Medicine – October 2015

October 27, 2015 by Peter Acute Coronary Syndrome Cardiology

How to Diagnose and Manage Resistant Hypertension

How to Diagnose and Manage Resistant Hypertension – MM1510

The number of truly drug-resistant hypertensive patients is small if careful attention is paid to blood pressure measurement , lifestyle measures are instituted and treatment is adjusted as required. An effective drug combination for the treatment of resistant hypertension is an ACE inhibitor (or angiotensin II receptor blocker), a calcium channel blocker and a thiazide-like diuretic, with possibly the addition of a fourth drug.

Modern Medicine – October 2015

October 27, 2015 by Peter Cardiology Hypertension

Randomised Trials vs. Real World Experience: Evidence-Based vs. Medicine-Based Practice

Randomised Trials vs. Real World Experience: Evidence-Based vs. Medicine-Based Practice – MM1510

The fundamental question to ask is if there is a specific research method that will always under all circumstances provide the clinician with the best possible evidence to provide optimal patient care.

Modern Medicine – October 2015

October 27, 2015 by Peter Cardiology Research

Advances in Management of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms

Advances in Management of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms – MM1509

Management of abdominal aortic aneurysms is guided by aneurysm diameter and symptoms. Patients with small asymptomatic aneurysms require regular surveillance for aneurysm enlargement and risk factor control. Endovascular repair has become the treatment modality of choice for most patients with aneurysms above a threshold diameter.

Modern Medicine – September 2015

September 28, 2015 by Peter Aneurysm Cardiology

Who should get a pacemaker or an ICD?

Who should get a pacemaker or an ICD? – MM1509

There are different indications for the use of a pacemaker or an implanted cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). A thorough evaluation of the patient is required to discover the underlying condition before the decision on which to use can be made.

Modern Medicine – September 2015

September 28, 2015 by Peter Cardiology

Anaemia in Heart Failure: The Clinical Perspective

Anaemia in Heart Failure: The Clinical Perspective – MM1508

Anaemia is common in heart failure and is a risk factor for increased mortality but whether it has a causative role has not been established. Iron supplementation and erythropoietin replacement improve exercise capacity and well-being scores but have not been shown to reduce hospitalisation or mortality.

Modern Medicine – August 2015

August 25, 2015 by Peter Anaemia Cardiology

Medical Management After Control of Myocardial Ischaemia

Medical Management After Control of Myocardial Ischaemia – MM1508

After recovery from myocardial infarction, patients should receive aspirin and statin therapy and be evaluated regarding their need for coronary revascularisation, additional pharmacological treatment and possible device therapy.

Modern Medicine – August 2015

August 25, 2015 by Peter Cardiology

Treatment Gaps Evident in Heart Disease Patients

Treatment Gaps Evident in Heart Disease Patients – MM1507

Hypertension is the most common condition seen in primary care and leads to myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, renal failure and death if not detected early and treated appropriately. Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors have significantly decreased cardiovascular MI and hospitalisations for heart failure (HF) in patients with asymptomatic or symptomatic left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction.

Modern Medicine – July 2015

July 30, 2015 by Peter Cardiology Heart Disease

Grappling with Hypertriglyceridaemia Rosetta Stone or Pandora’s Box?

Grappling with Hypertriglyceridaemia Rosetta Stone or Pandora’s Box? – MM1506

Hypertriglyceridaemia is caused by interactions between many genetic and nongenetic factors and is a common risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD). Treatment of hypertriglyceridaemia relies on correcting secondary factors and unhealthy lifestyle habits, particularly poor diet and lack of exercise. Pharmacotherapy is indicated for patients with established CVD and those at moderate-to-high risk of CVD.

Modern Medicine – June 2015

June 23, 2015 by Peter Cardiology Diabetes Obesity

Dilated Cardiomyopathy: A Diagnostic and Therapeutic Challenge

Dilated Cardiomyopathy: A Diagnostic and Therapeutic Challenge – MM1505

Nonischaemic dilated cardiomyopathy is an important and not infrequently encountered presentation in general practice. Diagnosis is often delayed due to the nonspecific nature of early symptoms and a lack of suspicion of ‘cardiac problems’ by both the patient and doctor. GPs play an important role in the management of this chronic disease, which has no cure but can be successfully managed for many years.

Modern Medicine – May 2015

May 26, 2015 by Peter Cardiology

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