Cardiovascular Features

In spite of numerous trials and studies proving the efficacy of direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC) in comparison to warfarin, there is insufficient evidence of the percentage of recurrence of thromboembolic events whilst being on a DOAC.

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, also known as Takotsubo syndrome, is a temporary condition where your heart muscle becomes suddenly weakened or ‘stunned’. Takotsubo cardiomyopathy has now gained world-wide acceptance as a distinctive clinical and pathological condition. The prognosis is good with recovery in two to four weeks.

Orthostatic hypotension—also called postural hypotension—is a form of low blood pressure that happens when you stand up from sitting or lying down. This article reviews current advances in the area.

Cardiovascular prevention and rehabilitation programmes are a multi-facet intervention that is offered to patients diagnosed with coronary heart disease. The programme is usually delivered over a 6-12-week period by a multi-disciplinary team focusing on the prescription and up-titration of cardio-protective medication, smoking cessation, diet, physical activity and psychological support.

Highlights at the American Geriatrics Society included a presentation looking at antihypertensive drug de-intensification and recurrent falls in long-term care. This was presented by Kenneth Boockvar.

Subclinical or ‘silent’ atrial fibrillation is the occurrence and detection of subclinical asymptomatic episodes of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Research interest has grown in the clinical relevance of atrial fibrillation at an early stage.

NICE has launched new guidance focused on improving the accuracy of diagnosis of asthma and introducing more effective treatment and monitoring of the chronic condition.

Prescriptions for antiplatelets and anticoagulation have never been higher; however, difficulties arise when stopped due to surgery or other procedures with no consensus on length of cessation or bridging therapies. We have searched the literature to create guidelines on cessation and bridging for physicians and surgeons prior to procedures.

A review of the latest clinical trial data and medical advances as outlined in a paper published online in EP Europace.

There has been recent debate on how to place current research assessing different targets of blood pressure therapy into a real-world context. This article summarises the main clinical studies in this area and illustrates how the current evidence base can be used to guide treatment decisions. It also highlights those patient groups where the evidence does not extend.