We evaluated the accuracy and predictive value of conventional BP measurements performed by primary care physicians in comparison with ABPM in a cross-sectional study of hypertensive patients in primary healthcare. We found that conventional BP measurements are less accurate than 24-hour ABPM.
Cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in schizophrenia: implications for primary care
People with schizophrenia have substantial premature mortality compared to individuals without schizophrenia. They also have a wide range of co-morbidities and multiple physical health conditions but are less likely than people without schizophrenia to have a primary care record of cardiovascular disease. This suggests a systematic underrecognition and under-treatment of cardiovascular disease, which may contribute to the increased mortality seen in this vulnerable patient group.
CVD and HIV patients
We highlight in this article some of the issues on HIV and cardiovascular disease (CVD) to assist primary healthcare practitioners to improve the health outcomes, particularly in relation to CVD, of their HIV patients.
Strategies to prevent chronic kidney disease progression based on risk assessment in primary care
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is increasing worldwide. The aim of this study was to identify factors related to progression of chronic kidney disease in a primary care service. Risk factors for progression of CKD were: diabetes, hypertension, uncontrolled systolic pressure and basal creatinine.
Should high-intensity interval exercise be recommended for the prevention of long-term conditions?
There is evidence to show that high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE) can increase cardiorespiratory fitness, lower blood pressure, increase insulin sensitivity and reduce body fat. All these are important in preventing the development of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
The practical management of patients with dyslipidaemia
The number of deaths each year from cardiovascular disease (CVD) has nearly halved in the UK since the early 1980s. There are many reasons for this success, but 25%-50% of the decline in deaths from coronary heart disease (CHD) can be attributed to secondary prevention in high-risk patients. However, despite the hard work of GPs […]
An update on GRASP-AF
Through the support of NHS Improvement, Guidance on Risk Assessment for Stroke Prevention in Atrial Fibrillation (GRASP-AF) has been rolled out nationally. Nearly 2,000 practices have adopted the GRASP concept, representing an overall population of 13 million.
Healing the sick, advancing the science
“There are two objects of medical education: to heal the sick and to advance the science.”
12 minutes and the simple seven
Exercise is a preventive tool in combating cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and obesity: an extra 12 minutes a day could make a big difference.
Nothing stays the same in medicine – or the QOF
“The hardest conviction to get into the mind of a beginner is that the education upon which he is engaged is not a medical course but a life course, for which the work of a few years under teachers is but a preparation.”Sir William Osler (1849-1919), from The Student of Medicine.
Cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in schizophrenia: implications for primary care
People with schizophrenia have substantial premature mortality compared to individuals without schizophrenia. They also have a wide range of co-morbidities and multiple physical health conditions but are less likely than people without schizophrenia to have a primary care record of cardiovascular disease. This suggests a systematic underrecognition and under-treatment of cardiovascular disease, which may contribute to the increased mortality seen in this vulnerable patient group.
Time to GRASP heart failure in primary care
Since the introduction of the Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF), GPs have been incentivised to keep a register of patients diagnosed with heart failure (HF). Such registers are only effective if they are audited regularly, since they are likely to contain errors and omissions. GRASP-HF is a new tool designed to help busy practices achieve a systematic approach to the identification, diagnosis and management of patients with HF.
