Cardiovascular

Detect, protect, perfect: AHSNs going further, faster to reduce AF-related stroke

Since 2014 the 15 Academic Health Science Networks (AHSNs) across England have been working on a collaborative atrial fibrillation (AF) programme focused on reducing AF-related stroke. The national programme has three elements: Detect: finding more people with AF to allow early intervention to prevent stroke; Protect: treating more at-risk patients with anticoagulants to reduce the rate of AF-related stroke; and Perfect: improving the quality of anticoagulation to ensure maximal patient outcomes.

Pharmacist-led interventions for CVD prevention

Community pharmacists are widely recognised as an under-utilised resource within the NHS, in spite of their skills and experience, and the accessibility of their premises. In recent years, community pharmacists have demonstrated the value of the clinical services they offer, particularly in the prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Back to Basics: Recognising different types of coronary artery disease 2

This month’s double Back to Basics feature focuses on coronary artery disease and understanding the differences between stable angina, unstable angina, STEMI and NSTEMI, and their secondary prevention and management in primary care.

Back to Basics: Recognising different types of coronary artery disease 1

Case study: Nurse COPD assessment

This case describes a 56-year old male with a productive cough and worsening breathlessness who presented to a practice nurse. This case study was part of a Health Assessment module at the University of Surrey. The case study was supervised by a GP.

CVD risk factors: New evidence, new approaches?

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death worldwide. Elevated blood pressure (BP) is the main global risk factor for premature morbidity and mortality, and the prevalence of hypertensive heart disease is not declining over time. Improved control of high BP is, therefore, fundamental to further prevention of CVD, and adoption of treatment guidelines can have a positive impact on BP-related outcomes.

Evaluating low-risk patients with chest pain

A local GP practice in Milton Keynes has designed a valuable tool to triage patients presenting with chest pain and to help them avoid unnecessary emergency hospital admissions. The locality has no dedicated unit, so patients require either emergency hospital admission, a referral to Rapid Access Chest Pain Clinic (RACP), cardiology outpatient clinic (OPD), or management in primary care.

Examining the migraine-CVD link

There appears to be an association between migraine and cardiovascular disease and especially ischaemic stroke. How real is the absolute risk, what may be the cause, and what, if anything should we tell our patients?

Editorial: Cardiovascular disease prevention – saving hearts and minds together

Given that cardiovascular disease (CVD) is responsible for a quarter of all deaths in the UK and is the largest cause of premature mortality in deprived areas, the NHS Long Term Plan recognises that CVD is the single biggest area where the NHS can save lives over the next 10 years.

Editorial: Continuing focus on CVD prevention

In the 70 years since the NHS was founded there have indeed been remarkable successes in reducing mortality from common conditions, an important example being deaths due to heart and circulatory disease. Yet the statistics show that there is more to be done to prevent the toll of premature death and years of disability associated with CVD. For this reason, we welcome the continuing focus on CVD prevention as set out in this publication, produced with the support of PHE and NHS England.

Cardiovascular disease prevention: Saving hearts and minds together

Over the last few decades, there has been a great focus on reducing premature deaths due to cardiovascular disease (CVD). Although this is true, CVD still remains a significant cause of disability and death in the United Kingdom. With nearly 7 million people are living with CVD in England, and a quarter of deaths each […]

NICE Chronic Heart Failure guideline update 2018

The updated Chronic Heart Failure guideline from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence was published in September. This article covers the key recommendations relevant to primary care.

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