Clinical articles

Fax machines are essential tools in modern medicine. With increasing pressure to reduce ‘door to needle’ times in acute myocardial infarction, appropriate interpretation of electrocardiograms (ECGs) by cardiologists is desirable and the use of fax machines to transmit recordings is advised.1-4 Fax technology is not infallible, however.

Successful pregnancy following a peripartum cardiomyopathy Peripartum cardiomyopathy is a rare complication of pregnancy, characterised by the development of heart failure secondary to a dilated cardiomyopathy in the peripartum period. Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) carries a significant morbidity and mortality and there is a risk of recurrence in subsequent pregnancies. Many issues relating to this condition are unresolved, including its exact aetiology, optimal treatment and assessment of the risk of recurrence.

Though the evidence for secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease is strong, the substantial benefits in terms of outcomes are often lost at practice level with competing clinical priorities and, at primary care group/trust level, with competing commissioning priorities. Our primary care trust has developed a secondary prevention tool that gives a clear picture of the benefits achievable with effective secondary prevention.