Too often, patients seek help and receive medical advice but return for follow-up with less-than-optimal improvement because they did not comply with recommended therapy. Costs of nonadherence add to the economic burden of health care in the United States and interfere with appropriate treatment. By discussing with the patient anticipated barriers, such as perceived side effects or regimen complexity, the physician can significantly improve outcomes. The authors outline ways to enhance patient compliance and improve the clinical picture while reducing costs.
While reviewing the American Heart Association (AHA) 2008 Clinical Perspectives in the January 2009 issue of Cardiology Review, especially the article by Dr Ferdinand regarding African American beliefs and adherence to antihypertensive medications, it dawned upon me that a review of articles and data on hypertension in Asian Indians is also warranted, as this population is often overlooked.
Lafuente-Lafuente and colleagues performed a meta-analysis of 44 studies of 11 322 patients in randomized controlled trials of persons with atrial fibrillation who received antiarrhythmic drugs after restoration of sinus rhythm.
Age-related macular degeneration is the leading cause of irreversible legal blindness in the elderly. Although nothing can reverse the associated vision loss, treatments are available that can slow the rate of progression of this condition. These options include supplemental high-dose vitamin therapy, diet and lifestyle changes, laser photocoagulation, photodynamic therapy, and intravitreal injection of anti-angiogenic medications. Early diagnosis and initiation of appropriate treatment are critical.
Steroid treatments are a first-line therapy for asthma but can have considerable side effects, such as Cushing's syndrome. Patients who develop such complications or become intolerant to steroid therapy may be candidates for anti-IgE treatment.
As newer anticoagulants become accepted into clinical practice, it is important to consider their unique properties, potential benefits, and how they act in the coagulation cascade.
The last several years have witnessed a heightened interest in the metabolic syndrome, as it has become a health issue of epidemic proportions. Several metabolic abnormalities emerge as key players in the pathogenesis of the syndrome, including insulin resistance, obesity, and inflammation. Individuals with the metabolic syndrome are at increased risk for a variety of clinical conditions, some with serious health implications, particularly diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Treatment should address the causal mediators of the syndrome, such as obesity or insulin resistance. Lifestyle modification is one of the most successful treatments for the prevention of diabetes. Pharmacotherapy for dyslipidemia or hypertension can help prevent cardiovascular complications and the development of diabetes in those at risk.
A look at the impact on of waiting to prescribe medication for respiratory infections
Many physicians often don't give adequate thought and planning to the "when" and "how" of their Social Security benefits. This oversight might result in missing out on hundreds of thousands of dollars over their lifetime.
Edavarone becomes first drug approved for disease since 1995.
Say the word "bowling" to yourself and your brain conjures images and feelings of childhood nostalgia, birthday parties, rock music-good times with family and friends. Not exercise. But it is exercise, a hidden way to exercise.
Management of atrial fibrillation remains one of the most difficult challenges for physicians and patients.