Tag Archives: prevention

The urgency of early diagnosis Blair Elliott, Health Innovation West Midlands CVD accounts for 27% of all deaths in the UK,4 and heart failure is also becoming increasingly prevalent, with over 780,000 people on their GP’s heart failure register.5 The earlier a patient begins treatment for CVD or heart failure, the better their chances of reducing hospitalisation and improving outcomes. Each admission not only adds to the strain on the NHS, but also significantly increases the risk of mortality. Timely recognition of acute symptoms and expedited diagnosis must be at the forefront of our efforts. This is why we are supporting initiatives, su

What is motivational interviewing? Motivational interviewing is a counselling approach that proposes collaborative communication between the clinician and the client, where the commitment towards behaviour change is strengthened.1-3 The European Society of Cardiology recommended using motivational interviewing and graded this counselling style as class 1 level A in supporting lifestyle risk modification.4 The practice of motivational interviewing involves using basic interaction skills and techniques such as open questions, affirmation, reflective listening and summary reflections (OARS).3 By asking open questions, the clinician invites the c

Currently, UK, US and World Health Organization (WHO) aerobic guidelines all advocate at least 150 minutes weekly of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in at least 10-minute bouts for adults and older adults,1,5,6 though the bout requirement is currently under debate,6 and even small amounts of physical activity provide protective health benefits. Walking is by far the most common physical activity, a brisk pace (approximately 3 mph, 5 km/hr) counts as MVPA, and walking is considered a ‘near-perfect’ exercise, with ability to gradually increase frequency and intensity with low risk of harm, while encouraging environmental sust

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This emphasis on short-term risk means the long-term consequences of modifiable risk factors may be overlooked. Age and male gender are currently the biggest drivers of risk, said Professor John Deanfield (Chair of JBS3 and British Heart Foundation Chair of Cardiology at UCL, London) at a launch event for the JBS3 recommendations. Treatment has favoured elderly men, with risk calculators disenfranchising the young, especially women, he added. The report, which the British Cardiovascular Society calls “an evolution in CVD prevention,” supports intensive management of people at high lifetime risk for CVD. Its message that early inte

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Heart failure The recommendations on devices, drugs and diagnosis in heart failure were developed by the ESC in collaboration with a heart failure association of the ESC. There have been several major updates since the previous guidance published in 2008.  The new updates include: In devices, left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) have been hailed as a step change in the management of heart failure. LVADs are more reliable and lead to fewer complications than in 2008. Until now, LVADs have been used as a temporary measure in patients awaiting a heart transplant. Professor John McMurray (Glasgow, UK), chairperson of the ESC Clinical Practice

Controversial salt paper published A new European study has caused controversy by suggesting that lowering salt intake may not be beneficial. The study, published recently in JAMA (May 4th 2011 issue), was conducted by a team from the University of Leuven, Belgium. They followed 3,681 participants who were free of cardiovascular disease at baseline for a median of 7.9 years, and found an inverse relationship between cardiovascular deaths and 24-hour sodium excretion (which correlates to salt intake), although systolic blood pressure was higher with higher salt intake. But an editorial in the Lancet (May 12th 2011 issue) criticises the study,

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