Cardiovascular diseases

We risk a cardiovascular health crisis if patients stop seeking help when they need it

Footfall in emergency departments across the world has decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic, and experts worry that patients with symptoms are staying at home for fear of burdening their healthcare systems. But preventing serious cardiovascular events is still as important as ever, says cardiology…

Renin-angiotensin system inhibitors not linked to COVID-19 severity, researchers conclude

Among people with hypertension, the severity of COVID-19 is not associated with the use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers, data from Wuhan, China, suggest.…

Apixaban may be more effective and safer than rivaroxaban, research suggests

Adults with non-valvular atrial fibrillation prescribed apixaban have a lower rate of ischaemic stroke and systemic blood clots compared with those prescribed rivaroxaban, according to a retrospective cohort study in Annals of Internal Medicine.…

Myocardial injury associated with increased risk of death from COVID-19, research suggests

The development of myocardial injury in COVID-19 patients is associated with an increased risk of death, researchers have found.…

Lower-GI bleeding should be investigated in anticoagulated patients, researchers say

Lower gastrointestinal bleeding in patients with atrial fibrillation who are being treated with oral anticoagulants is associated with a higher risk of being diagnosed with colorectal cancer, a study published in the European Heart Journal suggests.…

Concerned patients ‘strongly’ advised to continue taking medication amid COVID-19 fears

Patients taking angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers have been “strongly” advised to continue taking their medication amid fears that it could predispose them to adverse outcomes should they become infected with COVID-19.…

Effective detection and management of hypertension through community pharmacy in England

Management of hypertension does not routinely occur in English pharmacies, despite community pharmacy being an ideal place for screening to take place. By examining and learning from the evidence, pharmacies in England can help patients maintain ideal blood pressure levels and improve health outcome…

Acute coronary syndrome: risk factors, diagnosis and treatment

This overview describes the different management options for acute coronary syndrome and how pharmacists can support patients with the condition.…

Apixaban safer than warfarin for patients regardless of stroke history

Apixaban is associated with less major bleeding, death and hospitalisation than warfarin, regardless of a patient’s stroke history, a secondary analysis of the AUGUSTUS trial has indicated.…

Managing hypertension: the role of diet and exercise

It is well known that high blood pressure increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes. However, there are lifestyle interventions that pharmacists can encourage patients to implement to reduce this risk.…