News and views

Physical inactivity is responsible for 6% of the worldwide burden of coronary heart disease and 7% of type 2 diabetes cases, as well as 10% of breast and colon cancers, according to a series of papers on lack of exercise recently published in The Lancet (380:187–306)....

A new study of the polypill has shown large reductions in blood pressure and cholesterol levels, which if maintained long-term could translate into a substantial cut in heart attacks and strokes, the authors claim. ...

New data from the RE-LY trial show that dabigatran is associated with similar rates of bleeding and thrombotic complications to warfarin in patients who have to undergo invasive procedures and surgery. ...

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has issued its final appraisal determination (FAD) on the use of rivaroxaban, as an alternative to warfarin, for the treatment of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and prevention of recurrent DVT. ...

News in brief from the world of cardiology...

We continue our series in which Consultant Interventionist Dr Michael Norell takes a sideways look at life in the cath lab…and beyond. In this column, he considers surgical outfits....

Introduction Cardiology represents a unique blend of hands-on practical application combined with sound physiological principles supported by a vast and continually evolving evidence base. Entry into cardiology specialty training is one of the most competitive of all the medical disciplines in the UK. If successful, trainees are expected to gain a postgraduate research-based MD or PhD along the way. A huge emphasis is placed on research for those aspiring to a career in cardiovascular medicine. This article is geared towards those trainees actively considering a long-term career in academic cardiology. Drs Niki Margari and Aung Myat interview Professor Peter Weissberg and Professor Simon Redwood to find out their views on academic cardiology in the UK.  ...

Correspondence from the world of cardiology...

Oxford textbook of heart failure Editors: McDonagh TA, Gardner RS, Clark AL, Dargie HJ Publisher: Oxford University Press, Oxford, 2011 ISBN: 978-0-19-957772-9 Price: £110.00...

The underuse of beta blockers in elderly patients with lung disease was highlighted at the recent British Society for Heart Failure (BSH) 4th annual medical training meeting, held in London. Dr Suzanna Hardman (Consultant Cardiologist, The Whittington Hospital, London) told delegates that whilst 65% of patients admitted to hospital with heart failure are discharged on a beta blocker, less than 15% of elderly patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) take this evidence-based prognostic class of drugs....