Fast Facts: Heart Failure

Fast Facts: Heart Failure

Author: Dariusz Korczyk

Publisher: Karger Medical and Scientific Publishers

Published: 2017-04-17

Total Pages: 154

ISBN-13: 1910797324

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Effective new treatments - from drugs to surgery to devices - are revolutionizing both outcome and wellbeing in patients with heart failure. Written with the non-specialist in mind, this practical resource distills a lot of complex information into a refreshingly readable format, with clear informative diagrams and useful pull-out tables. Highlights include: • a concise discussion of the pathophysiological mechanisms that lead to heart failure • a detailed review of the causes and comorbidities of heart failure • simple advice on diagnosis and investigation • clear management principles, including healthy lifestyle choices for patients • evidence-based guidance on first- and second-line drug therapies and medical management that targets the underlying cause • a comprehensive overview of non-pharmacological treatment options, including devices and transplantation • important information on palliative care in end-stage heart failure. 'Fast Facts: Heart Failure' is the ideal resource for primary care providers, specialist nurses and cardiology trainees, and a good introduction to heart failure for all healthcare professionals who care for the elderly. Contents: • Definitions and epidemiology • Pathophysiology and clinical stages • Causes • Comorbidities • Diagnosis • General management and lifestyle considerations • Pharmacological treatment • Non-pharmacological treatment • Prognosis • Clinical trials and developments • Useful resources


Fast Facts: Heart Failure

Fast Facts: Heart Failure

Author: D. Korczyk

Publisher: Karger Medical and Scientific Publishers

Published: 2022-03-16

Total Pages: 212

ISBN-13: 3318069892

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A better understanding of the mechanisms and pathophysiological pathways of heart failure (HF), improved management of associated comorbidities, and advances in identifying genetic cardiac disease have led to a near-revolution in the management of patients in terms of pharmacological treatments, surgery and devices. These developments have transformed outcomes and HF-associated mortality, and gene therapies further promise a brighter future for patients who experience the debilitating effects of HF. This new edition of 'Fast Facts: Heart Failure' starts with the definitions of HF (different types of HF require different treatments), then provides the latest thinking on mechanisms and clinical stages, underlying causes and the assessment and management of comorbidities. This is followed by simple diagnostic criteria and a comprehensive overview of investigations. The management chapters focus on the importance of self-care education and healthy lifestyle choices, together with the latest recommendations for pharmacological treatment, device therapy and cardiac surgery from international guidelines. The final chapter on developments is an indication of the ongoing innovation in this rapidly moving field. Table of Contents: • Definitions, classification and epidemiology • Pathophysiology and clinical stages • Causes • Comorbidities • Diagnosis • General management and lifestyle considerations • Pharmacological treatment • Non-pharmacological management • Advanced HF therapies • Prognosis • Developments and future directions


Fast Facts: Acute Coronary Syndromes

Fast Facts: Acute Coronary Syndromes

Author: Paul A. Gurbel

Publisher: Karger Medical and Scientific Publishers

Published: 2014-01-20

Total Pages: 130

ISBN-13: 1908541474

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All patients arriving at hospital with chest pain suggestive of myocardial ischemia require an immediate 12-lead ECG and medical assessment. Management will depend on the type of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) diagnosed. 'Fast Facts: Acute Coronary Syndromes' is an international evidence-based primer that focuses on optimizing patient outcomes via accurate initial diagnosis, appropriate risk stratification and proper therapeutic decision-making in line with both American and European management guidelines. This refreshingly readable handbook simplifies the complexities involved in the care of patients with ACS by: • Familiarizing readers with the common pathophysiology underlying all ACS • Detailing the specifics of clinical assessment (targeted history, symptom-oriented physical exam, electrocardiography, cardiac biomarkers and imaging) • Assisting best practice in ischemic risk stratification and assessment of bleeding risk • Outlining coronary revascularization techniques, reperfusion strategies and preventive measures • Providing an update on potent antithrombotic therapy (antiplatelet agents and anticoagulants) • Clearly explaining the latest developments that are likely to be implemented in the near future. In this fast-changing field it is difficult for healthcare professionals to remain current and virtually impossible to fully understand all of the subtle nuances of the available clinical trial data. This comprehensive handbook is therefore the essential resource for all healthcare professionals looking for up-to-date, easy-to read information that will assist best practice in the identification and management of all patients with ACS. Contents: • Pathophysiology • Diagnosis • Risk stratification and decision-making • Coronary revascularization • Unstable angina/non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction • ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction • Secondary prevention of coronary artery disease • Developments • Useful resources


Fast Facts: Hypertension

Fast Facts: Hypertension

Author: Graham A. MacGregor

Publisher: Karger Medical and Scientific Publishers

Published: 2016-02-15

Total Pages: 98

ISBN-13: 1910797030

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Hypertension is the biggest cause of death and disability in the world, yet it remains underdiagnosed, undertreated and, in many cases, poorly controlled. As in the previous edition, 'Fast Facts: Hypertension' advises on: • accurate measurement of blood pressure and problems such as 'white-coat' hypertension • routine assessments for people with high blood pressure • other modifiable risk factors (smoking, high cholesterol levels etc.) • non-pharmacological measures (reducing salt, losing weight, increasing physical activity etc.) • rational and effective use of all drug treatments • identification of people with secondary hypertension • treatment of children, pregnant women, the elderly and patients with diabetes. Updates in this new edition include: • distinguishing between patients with primary (low renin) and secondary aldosteronism • greater use of home BP measurement in clinical decision-making • the latest thinking on BP treatment thresholds • new guidance on fourth-line therapy for resistant hypertension Sometimes dubbed 'the silent killer', hypertension rarely produces symptoms until it manifests as a heart attack or stroke, so early identification of the condition and appropriate management are vital. This practical readable refresher for every-day use supports better investigation and treatment of high blood pressure by primary care providers and better self-management by patients. Contents: • The dangers of raised blood pressure • Causes • Investigation • When to treat • How to treat • Special patient groups • Uncontrolled hypertension • Useful resources


Cardiovascular Disability

Cardiovascular Disability

Author: Institute of Medicine

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 2010-12-04

Total Pages: 304

ISBN-13: 030915698X

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The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a screening tool called the Listing of Impairments to identify claimants who are so severely impaired that they cannot work at all and thus immediately qualify for benefits. In this report, the IOM makes several recommendations for improving SSA's capacity to determine disability benefits more quickly and efficiently using the Listings.


Fast Facts: Erectile Dysfunction

Fast Facts: Erectile Dysfunction

Author: Cully Carson

Publisher: Karger Medical and Scientific Publishers

Published: 2008-06-01

Total Pages: 92

ISBN-13: 1903734673

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Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common problem and the source of considerable morbidity, both for individuals and within relationships. With more and more individuals demanding access to the simple, effective treatments that are now available, healthcare professionals must be able to offer the confident and confidential support and advice they require. This fourth edition of 'Fast Facts: Erectile Dysfunction' provides an in-depth review of the overall management of ED and is an invaluable source of information for specialist nurses, nurse practitioners, primary care physicians and all healthcare professionals who are likely to encounter men with this condition. • Succinct but comprehensive, expert advice on the underlying causes of ED • A detailed approach to diagnosis, including questions to ask the patient and the sexual health inventory for men • A thorough review of all possible treatment options • Simple, effective illustrations that support key clinical information • New chapter on ejaculatory dysfunction Contents: • Epidemiology and pathophysiology • Diagnosis and therapeutic options • Pharmacological treatment • Vacuum devices • Surgical treatment • Associated medical conditions • Ejaculatory dysfunction • Useful resources


Fast Facts for Nurse Practitioners

Fast Facts for Nurse Practitioners

Author: Nadine M. Aktan, PhD, APN-BC

Publisher: Springer Publishing Company

Published: 2020-07-14

Total Pages: 228

ISBN-13: 0826148735

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The first book to provide an insider view of the latest advances and trends in the full range of clinical subspecialty areas. Fast Facts for Nurse Practitioners: Practice Essentials for Clinical Subspecialties takes the busy advanced practice provider or student on a journey through the clinical subspecialties. The author, a highly experienced nurse practitioner, has immersed herself in each of these clinical areas and interviewed medical specialists to identify the latest advances, trends, and tips to more confidently and competently assess, diagnose, manage, and refer patients across the lifespan. The book addresses hot topics in allergy and immunology, cardiology, dermatology, endocrinology, gastroenterology, hematology and oncology, infectious disease, nephrology, neurology, obstetrics and gynecology, ophthalmology, orthopedics, otolaryngology, pediatrics, psychiatry, pulmonology, rheumatology, and urology. Each chapter provides information on common chief complaints, pathophysiology, diagnostic considerations, and key points for management or referral. This concise reference provides evidence-based strategies for managing ever-changing patient needs in an easy-to-digest format. Key Features: Serves the needs of advanced practice providers and students Offers the latest advances and trends for all clinical subspecialty areas in one concise, quick-reference resource Provides evidence-based guidelines to support the principles of assessment, differential diagnosis, management, and referral Highlights only the most relevant and timely information, allowing readers to save time, stay current, and improve patient outcomes


Fast Facts: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Fast Facts: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Author: M. Bradley Drummond

Publisher: Karger Medical and Scientific Publishers

Published: 2016-08-22

Total Pages: 150

ISBN-13: 1908541733

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Patients with COPD often make few complaints despite experiencing considerable disability. As well as the characteristic shortness of breath, the disease is associated with a number of comorbidities that can present major clinical problems. However, with early recognition and intervention, further deterioration can be prevented, and lung function, general health status and functional ability improved. In this fully updated third edition of 'Fast Facts: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease', the authors take a comprehensive look at: • the disease process, its causes and progression • the relationship between asthma and COPD • the investigations used to assess the severity and stage of COPD • the interventions that may reduce the risk of developing COPD • individualized patient management based on clinical features and comorbidities • current clinical guidelines from an international perspective • treatments that reduce symptoms and improve lung function in stable disease • the prevention and management of acute exacerbations • risk factor reduction, primarily through smoking cessation • future diagnostic and therapeutic developments. The easy-to-read, highly accessible format of this practical resource has been designed so that all primary care providers, specialist nurses, junior hospital doctors, paramedics, medical students and other allied healthcare professionals involved in the diagnosis and management of COPD can get up to speed on this multifaceted disease, fast! With clear take-home messages, it will also serve as a useful overview for researchers and specialists reading outside their subject area.


Fast Facts: Obesity

Fast Facts: Obesity

Author: David Haslam

Publisher: Karger Medical and Scientific Publishers

Published: 2014-05-12

Total Pages: 147

ISBN-13: 1908541598

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Not to broach the subject of excess weight with a patient is a dereliction of duty as a healthcare professional, say the authors of 'Fast Facts: Obesity'. "Patients who smoke are rapidly identified for intervention, and the same should be true of anyone who is obese". Every consultation is an opportunity to educate and encourage patients to pursue better health. 'Fast Facts: Obesity' is packed with practical advice on how best to support patients to improve their nutrition and levels of physical activity, and change their habits, with simple and achievable goals tailored to individual needs and concerns. This highly readable handbook also provides a comprehensive overview of: • the causes and consequences of obesity • the latest information on pharmacological and surgical options • the issues specific to the management of obesity in children, pregnant women and the elderly. The authors say: “The opportunity to educate others and exert influence can be leveraged at many levels, even with limited amounts of time.” Reading 'Fast Facts: Obesity' is an excellent starting point for any healthcare professional who wants to understand this major threat to human health and ultimately improve outcomes. Contents: • Patient assessment • Causes and science • Cardiometabolic consequences • Other consequences • Management: diet • Management: physical activity • Management: behavioral therapy • Pharmacological and surgical treatments • Children, the elderly and pregnant women • Management tools, prevention and advocacy • Useful resources • The health risks of excess weight figure