News and views
August 2012 Br J Cardiol 2012;19:107–10
Impressive results for polypill in new UK study
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. ...
August 2012 Br J Cardiol 2012;19:107–10
New data reassures on bleeding risk with dabigatran in surgery patients
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. ...
August 2012 Br J Cardiol 2012;19:107–10
NICE – final guidance on rivaroxaban in DVT
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. ...
August 2012 Br J Cardiol 2012;19:115–6
I guess that’s why they call it ‘The Blues’
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....
August 2012 Br J Cardiol 2012;19:119-121
A career in academic cardiology
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. ...
August 2012 Br J Cardiol 2012;19:116
Optimised beta blocker therapy in heart failure A gap between training and provision: a primary-care based ECG survey
Correspondence from the world of cardiology...
August 2012 Br J Cardiol 2012;19:144
Book reviews
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...
July 2012 Online First
Beta blockers underused in the elderly with lung disease
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....
May 2012
Position statement on anti-arrhythmic drugs
Evidence-based recommendations for the practical use of anti-arrhythmic drugs and dronedarone in particular are published today on BJC online. The recommendations have been made in a consensus position statement by a multi-disciplinary expert group. The group was convened by Sanofi, the manufacturers of dronedarone, to address the need for guidance in the practical implementation of guidelines for anti-arrhythmic drugs. This follows the recent changes to European Medicines Agency and US Food and Drug Administration recommendations for dronedarone use....
