Fast Facts: Hypertension

Fast Facts: Hypertension
Author: Graham A. MacGregor
Publisher: Karger Medical and Scientific Publishers
Total Pages: 98
Release: 2016-02-15
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 1910797030

Hypertension is the biggest cause of death and disability in the world, yet it remains underdiagnosed, undertreated and, in many cases, poorly controlled. As in the previous edition, 'Fast Facts: Hypertension' advises on: • accurate measurement of blood pressure and problems such as 'white-coat' hypertension • routine assessments for people with high blood pressure • other modifiable risk factors (smoking, high cholesterol levels etc.) • non-pharmacological measures (reducing salt, losing weight, increasing physical activity etc.) • rational and effective use of all drug treatments • identification of people with secondary hypertension • treatment of children, pregnant women, the elderly and patients with diabetes. Updates in this new edition include: • distinguishing between patients with primary (low renin) and secondary aldosteronism • greater use of home BP measurement in clinical decision-making • the latest thinking on BP treatment thresholds • new guidance on fourth-line therapy for resistant hypertension Sometimes dubbed 'the silent killer', hypertension rarely produces symptoms until it manifests as a heart attack or stroke, so early identification of the condition and appropriate management are vital. This practical readable refresher for every-day use supports better investigation and treatment of high blood pressure by primary care providers and better self-management by patients. Contents: • The dangers of raised blood pressure • Causes • Investigation • When to treat • How to treat • Special patient groups • Uncontrolled hypertension • Useful resources

Fast Facts: Renal Disorders

Fast Facts: Renal Disorders
Author: Ajay Singh
Publisher: Karger Medical and Scientific Publishers
Total Pages: 146
Release: 2013-06-01
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 1908541180

Early detection of renal problems coupled with the appropriate therapeutic strategy can radically reduce the progressive nature of, and complications associated with, chronic kidney disease, and in many instances will result in the successful treatment of acute kidney injury. As many patients will not be seen by nephrologists, it is essential that all healthcare professionals, in hospitals and in the community, have an awareness of renal disease – the presenting signs, differential diagnoses, treatment strategies and approach to the management of complications. 'Fast Facts: Renal Disorders' is an easy-to-read, evidence-based guide to renal diseases and disorders for all doctors, nurses and medical students. It includes: • A clear explanation of proteinuria, hematuria, electrolyte imbalances and acid–base disorders • A concise summary of kidney function tests, imaging techniques and biopsy • Important questions for prompt diagnosis of acute kidney injury • Management options for chronic kidney disease and its complications • Practical guidance on the most common renal problems, including glomerulonephritis, systemic disease, UTIs and kidney stones Written by three specialists of international repute, 'Fast Facts: Renal Disorders' provides the key information required for the optimal care of renal patients. This fully updated second edition will help healthcare professionals assess, identify, treat and refer patients with renal problems appropriately. Directly applicable to the clinical setting, it is essential reading for all primary care providers, junior hospital doctors, specialist trainees, renal nurses and medical students. Contents: • Proteinuria, hematuria and renal investigations • Electrolyte disturbances and acid–base disorders • Acute kidney injury • Chronic kidney disease • Hypertension and diabetic nephropathy • Glomerulonephritis • Systemic disease • Inherited kidney disease • Urinary tract infection • Kidney stones • Urinary tract obstruction and tumors • Renal replacement therapy and transplantation

A Population-Based Policy and Systems Change Approach to Prevent and Control Hypertension

A Population-Based Policy and Systems Change Approach to Prevent and Control Hypertension
Author: Institute of Medicine
Publisher: National Academies Press
Total Pages: 236
Release: 2010-08-13
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 030914809X

Hypertension is one of the leading causes of death in the United States, affecting nearly one in three Americans. It is prevalent in adults and endemic in the older adult population. Hypertension is a major contributor to cardiovascular morbidity and disability. Although there is a simple test to diagnose hypertension and relatively inexpensive drugs to treat it, the disease is often undiagnosed and uncontrolled. A Population-Based Policy and Systems Change Approach to the Prevention and Control Hypertension identifies a small set of high-priority areas in which public health officials can focus their efforts to accelerate progress in hypertension reduction and control. It offers several recommendations that embody a population-based approach grounded in the principles of measurement, system change, and accountability. The recommendations are designed to shift current hypertension reduction strategies from an individual-based approach to a population-based approach. They are also designed to improve the quality of care provided to individuals with hypertension and to strengthen the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's leadership in seeking a reduction in the sodium intake in the American diet to meet dietary guidelines. The book is an important resource for federal public health officials and organizations, especially the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as medical professionals and community health workers.

Your Guide to Lowering Your Blood Pressure with Dash

Your Guide to Lowering Your Blood Pressure with Dash
Author: U. S. Department Human Services
Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform
Total Pages: 62
Release: 2012-07-09
Genre:
ISBN: 9781478215295

This book by the National Institutes of Health (Publication 06-4082) and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute provides information and effective ways to work with your diet because what you choose to eat affects your chances of developing high blood pressure, or hypertension (the medical term). Recent studies show that blood pressure can be lowered by following the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) eating plan-and by eating less salt, also called sodium. While each step alone lowers blood pressure, the combination of the eating plan and a reduced sodium intake gives the biggest benefit and may help prevent the development of high blood pressure. This book, based on the DASH research findings, tells how to follow the DASH eating plan and reduce the amount of sodium you consume. It offers tips on how to start and stay on the eating plan, as well as a week of menus and some recipes. The menus and recipes are given for two levels of daily sodium consumption-2,300 and 1,500 milligrams per day. Twenty-three hundred milligrams is the highest level considered acceptable by the National High Blood Pressure Education Program. It is also the highest amount recommended for healthy Americans by the 2005 "U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans." The 1,500 milligram level can lower blood pressure further and more recently is the amount recommended by the Institute of Medicine as an adequate intake level and one that most people should try to achieve. The lower your salt intake is, the lower your blood pressure. Studies have found that the DASH menus containing 2,300 milligrams of sodium can lower blood pressure and that an even lower level of sodium, 1,500 milligrams, can further reduce blood pressure. All the menus are lower in sodium than what adults in the United States currently eat-about 4,200 milligrams per day in men and 3,300 milligrams per day in women. Those with high blood pressure and prehypertension may benefit especially from following the DASH eating plan and reducing their sodium intake.

Fast Facts: Ophthalmology

Fast Facts: Ophthalmology
Author: Peter Simcock
Publisher: Karger Medical and Scientific Publishers
Total Pages: 114
Release: 2015-08-10
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 1908541725

This fully updated new edition has been designed for ease and speed of use in clinical practice. It will empower you with the knowledge to triage your patients into three main groups: emergencies requiring immediate referral; non-emergencies requiring routine referral; or those with treatable conditions. Primarily intended for doctors, optometrists, ophthalmic nurses and other health professionals involved with eye care within the community, this refreshingly readable handbook discusses the major ophthalmological symptoms in the context of daily clinical practice. Contents: • Basic eye assessment: history and examination • Red eye • Blurred vision • Double vision • Other important symptoms • Gritty, itchy or watery eyes • Abnormal eye appearance and/or eye examination • Diabetes, hypertension and systemic medications • Eyelid disease • Children’s eye problems • Eye trauma • Useful resources

Fast Facts: Acute Coronary Syndromes

Fast Facts: Acute Coronary Syndromes
Author: Paul A. Gurbel
Publisher: Karger Medical and Scientific Publishers
Total Pages: 130
Release: 2014-01-20
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 1908541474

All patients arriving at hospital with chest pain suggestive of myocardial ischemia require an immediate 12-lead ECG and medical assessment. Management will depend on the type of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) diagnosed. 'Fast Facts: Acute Coronary Syndromes' is an international evidence-based primer that focuses on optimizing patient outcomes via accurate initial diagnosis, appropriate risk stratification and proper therapeutic decision-making in line with both American and European management guidelines. This refreshingly readable handbook simplifies the complexities involved in the care of patients with ACS by: • Familiarizing readers with the common pathophysiology underlying all ACS • Detailing the specifics of clinical assessment (targeted history, symptom-oriented physical exam, electrocardiography, cardiac biomarkers and imaging) • Assisting best practice in ischemic risk stratification and assessment of bleeding risk • Outlining coronary revascularization techniques, reperfusion strategies and preventive measures • Providing an update on potent antithrombotic therapy (antiplatelet agents and anticoagulants) • Clearly explaining the latest developments that are likely to be implemented in the near future. In this fast-changing field it is difficult for healthcare professionals to remain current and virtually impossible to fully understand all of the subtle nuances of the available clinical trial data. This comprehensive handbook is therefore the essential resource for all healthcare professionals looking for up-to-date, easy-to read information that will assist best practice in the identification and management of all patients with ACS. Contents: • Pathophysiology • Diagnosis • Risk stratification and decision-making • Coronary revascularization • Unstable angina/non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction • ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction • Secondary prevention of coronary artery disease • Developments • Useful resources

Fast Facts: Obesity

Fast Facts: Obesity
Author: David Haslam
Publisher: Karger Medical and Scientific Publishers
Total Pages: 147
Release: 2014-05-12
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 1908541598

Not to broach the subject of excess weight with a patient is a dereliction of duty as a healthcare professional, say the authors of 'Fast Facts: Obesity'. "Patients who smoke are rapidly identified for intervention, and the same should be true of anyone who is obese". Every consultation is an opportunity to educate and encourage patients to pursue better health. 'Fast Facts: Obesity' is packed with practical advice on how best to support patients to improve their nutrition and levels of physical activity, and change their habits, with simple and achievable goals tailored to individual needs and concerns. This highly readable handbook also provides a comprehensive overview of: • the causes and consequences of obesity • the latest information on pharmacological and surgical options • the issues specific to the management of obesity in children, pregnant women and the elderly. The authors say: “The opportunity to educate others and exert influence can be leveraged at many levels, even with limited amounts of time.” Reading 'Fast Facts: Obesity' is an excellent starting point for any healthcare professional who wants to understand this major threat to human health and ultimately improve outcomes. Contents: • Patient assessment • Causes and science • Cardiometabolic consequences • Other consequences • Management: diet • Management: physical activity • Management: behavioral therapy • Pharmacological and surgical treatments • Children, the elderly and pregnant women • Management tools, prevention and advocacy • Useful resources • The health risks of excess weight figure

Fast Facts: Minor Surgery

Fast Facts: Minor Surgery
Author: Christopher J. Price
Publisher: Karger Medical and Scientific Publishers
Total Pages: 120
Release: 2008-01-01
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 1903734010

Dermatological surgery is practised routinely in primary care, and most minor procedures are straightforward and require minimal time. Success is dependent on the practitioner's ability to recognize lesions, choose and plan appropriate treatment and surgical interventions, and perform surgical procedures. 'Fast Facts: Minor Surgery', second edition provides an overview of the good practice and operative set-up required for dermatological surgery, the skin lesions commonly encountered in primary care and the various techniques and procedures involved in their treatment. Contents: • Operative set-up and equipment • Local anesthesia • Lesion identification and management • Treatment planning • Avoiding complications • Suturing techniques and removal • Surgical procedures • Examinng your practice

Diabetes and Hypertension

Diabetes and Hypertension
Author: Samy I. McFarlane
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 196
Release: 2012-10-19
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 1603273573

Diabetes and hypertension have evolved as two of the modern day epidemics affecting millions of people around the world. These two common co-morbidities lead to substantial increase in cardiovascular disease, the major cause of morbidity and mortality of adults around the world. In Diabetes and Hypertension: Evaluation and Management, a panel of renowned experts address a range of critical topics -- from basic concepts in evaluation and management of diabetes and hypertension, such as dietary interventions, to evaluation and management of secondary hypertension in clinical practice. Other chapters focus on high cardiovascular risk populations such as those with coronary heart disease, chronic kidney disease and minority patients. In addition, evolving concepts and new developments in the field are presented in other chapters, such as prevention of type 2 diabetes and the epidemic of sleep apnea and its implication for diabetes and hypertension evaluation and management. An important title covering two of the most troubling disorders of our time, Diabetes and Hypertension: Evaluation and Management will provide the busy practitioner with cutting edge knowledge in the field as well as practical information that can translate into better care provided to the high-risk population of diabetics and hypertensive patients.

Fast Facts: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Fast Facts: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Author: M. Bradley Drummond
Publisher: Karger Medical and Scientific Publishers
Total Pages: 150
Release: 2016-08-22
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 1908541733

Patients with COPD often make few complaints despite experiencing considerable disability. As well as the characteristic shortness of breath, the disease is associated with a number of comorbidities that can present major clinical problems. However, with early recognition and intervention, further deterioration can be prevented, and lung function, general health status and functional ability improved. In this fully updated third edition of 'Fast Facts: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease', the authors take a comprehensive look at: • the disease process, its causes and progression • the relationship between asthma and COPD • the investigations used to assess the severity and stage of COPD • the interventions that may reduce the risk of developing COPD • individualized patient management based on clinical features and comorbidities • current clinical guidelines from an international perspective • treatments that reduce symptoms and improve lung function in stable disease • the prevention and management of acute exacerbations • risk factor reduction, primarily through smoking cessation • future diagnostic and therapeutic developments. The easy-to-read, highly accessible format of this practical resource has been designed so that all primary care providers, specialist nurses, junior hospital doctors, paramedics, medical students and other allied healthcare professionals involved in the diagnosis and management of COPD can get up to speed on this multifaceted disease, fast! With clear take-home messages, it will also serve as a useful overview for researchers and specialists reading outside their subject area.