Evolving Therapies for Atrial Fibrillation: Focus on Embolic Stroke – MM1505
Oral anticoagulants are the treatment of choice for the prevention of stroke related to atrial fibrillation. Novel anticoagulants are now available and should be considered in suitable patients.
Modern Medicine – May 2015
Venous Thromboembolism | Prevention, Investigation and Treatment – MM1504
People at risk of developing venous thromboembolism (VTE) need to be identified so that they can commence prophylaxis, which may prevent significant morbidity and mortality. Investigation of the underlying cause of VTE is essential because this affects the duration and type of treatment.
Modern Medicine – April 2015
Detecting and Managing Depression in Patients with Cardiac Disease – MM1503
Depression is common in patients with cardiac disease, is associated with increased risk of mortality and morbidity and is the major driver of quality of life. Depression is also a major determinant of adherence to treatment strategies. It is therefore important that depressive symptoms are recognised and treated early in patients with cardiac disease.
Modern Medicine – March 2015
Telmisartan More Than an Antihypertensive – MM1502
Telmisartan, a well established angiotensin type 1 receptor antagonist,
is indicated for the reduction of cardiovascular morbidity in patients with manifest atherothrombotic cardiovascular disease (CVD) or type 2 diabetes mellitus with documented target organ damage, as well as for the treatment of hypertension.
Modern Medicine – February 2015
Syncope: Simple or Sinister? – MM1411
Syncope is a transient loss of consciousness that can have a benign or serious cause. It can also be the presenting feature of a surgical emergency, as described here.
Modern Medicine – November/December 2014
STEMI – A Medical Emergency | An overview of management – MM1410
ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is a medical emergency and patients presenting with this in general practice should be given aspirin and glyceryl trinitrate and sent urgently to hospital by ambulance for reperfusion. GPs have a pivotal role in the post-discharge care of these patients.
Modern Medicine – October 2014
Fibrate Therapy for Dyslipidaemia and Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease – MM1410
The main use of fibrates is for the treatment of dyslipidaemia to lower plasma triglyceride levels and to raise HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) levels. The effects of fibrates on LDL-cholesterol levels vary. Fibrates may be used either as monotherapy or in combination with statins. When combined with statins, fenofibrate is the preferred fibrate as it has a low risk of myopathy. The benefits of fibrate therapy in preventing ischaemic cardiovascular disease events appear to be confined to patients with baseline dyslipidaemia (raised triglyceride levels and/or low HDL-C levels).
Modern Medicine – October 2014
Ticagrelor Significantly Reduces Death from Vascular Causes – MM1408
Over the last two decades, anti-platelet therapy has become the cornerstone in the treatment of patients with ischaemic cardiovascular disease, since such drugs effectively reduce arterial thrombotic events.
Modern Medicine – August 2014
Acute Coronary Syndrome Care After Discharge – MM1406
GPs are increasingly responsible for treating and managing patients after an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) event. The early recognition of serious complications, and the initiation and maintenance of treatment to increase survival, will improve outcomes among patients with ACS. The judicious use of
appropriate investigations will help guide this care and aid in identifying preventable problems.
Modern Medicine – June 2014
Treating Resistant Hypertension: Now and in the Future – MM1405
Treatment of resistant hypertension is a priority because patients with non-optimal blood pressure are at high risk of major cardiovascular events. Pharmacological advances include use of aldosterone antagonists and the development of several new strategies. Device-based therapies such as catheter-based renal denervation and electrical stimulation of baroreceptors are showing promising results.
Modern Medicine – May 2014
