2005, Volume 12, Issue 02, pages 81-160

The new General Medical Services contract has introduced the term ‘maximally tolerated blood pressure treatment’, which it defines as a cut-off point at which a...

Aneurysms of the sinus of Valsalva associated with infective endocarditis are rare. They can present during an episode of acute endocarditis or as late sequelae,...

Interventions on individual risk factors are most effective when directed at those with highest absolute risk. Joint British Society Guidelines and National Service Frameworks (NSF)...

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) is a key enzyme in the production of angiotensin II. The cloning of the ACE gene has made it possible to identify...

Electrocardiographic monitoring by telemetry has become commonplace throughout the UK. This survey was designed to assess its availability, to determine current practice and so to...

Rapid Access Cardiology Clinics were introduced many years ago for the assessment of chest pain. Following the publication of the National Service Framework (NSF) for...

The benefits of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors occur early in the treatment period and may be dose-dependent. The utilisation of ACE inhibitors in cardiovascular patients...

Blockade of the renin-angiotensin system by angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) has been shown to be effective in treating hypertension...

Diabetes is associated with both premature cardiovascular disease and renal disease. The presence of microalbuminuria is itself an independent risk factor for the development of...

Lowering elevated blood pressure reduces mortality and the risk of stroke, coronary heart disease and heart failure. The presence of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a...

There is extensive evidence of an increased risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) amongst South Asians (Indo-Asians) compared with Caucasians. This increased risk is not...

Doctors are encouraged to follow evidence-based guidelines in the assessment and management of chest pain. Sometimes following these guidelines conflicts with clinical experience and even...