Category: Cardiovascular

Care of stroke survivors from ‘best practice’ April 2010 The aim of stroke rehabilitation is for the patient to regain the best level of health, activity and participation possible within the limits of any persisting stroke impairment. Many stroke survivors are left with significant changes to physical, emotional, cognitive and social function. Recovery of function varies depending on the part of the body affected. Best outcomes after stroke are associated with prompt specialist multidisciplinary in-patient care in a stroke rehabilitation unit. General practice is ideally placed to undertake comprehensive reviews and coordinate after stroke care in the community.
Medicines for weight loss - do they work from ‘best practice’ April 2010 Improving diet and increasing physical activity are the main strategies for weight loss. Weight loss medicines may be considered for some people who have not attained a healthy weight with lifestyle changes alone, especially if they still have central obesity related risk factors. Weight loss medicines only produce modest reductions in weight and must be used in conjunction with lifestyle changes. Weight loss medicines are not effective long-term.
Stroke check list Download April 2010 A simple checklist for stroke survivors to fill out prior to a consultation, to indicate any problem areas and help guide priorities.
Best Tests March 2010 March 2010 Investigating the gut & Feedback on the Troponin & Urea Testing quiz
best tests: Quiz feedback: Troponin and Urea Testing March 2010 Feedback on the responses to the Troponin and Urea Testing" quiz.
Secondary stroke prevention from ‘best practice’ March 2010 People who have had a stroke or transient ischaemic attack are at increased risk of future stroke, especially in the first few months. A further stroke may be preventable if risk reduction strategies are undertaken. Secondary stroke prevention includes lifestyle interventions, blood pressure management, antithrombotic treatment and lipid lowering agents.
Time is brain: emergency treatment of stroke from ‘best practice’ March 2010 Stroke is the third most common cause of death in New Zealand, with approximately 22 strokes occurring each day. Stroke should be dealt with immediately - “time is brain”. Patients with symptoms suggestive of stroke should be referred to secondary care management without delay.
Snippets from ‘best practice’ December 2009 Should aspirin still be used for primary prevention of cardiovascular desease? Reconsider paracetamol use post-vaccination
Upfront: Discussing weight loss in general practice from ‘best practice’ December 2009 New Zealands are getting fatter. That’s a fact. When a problem is getting worse, it is time to reassess the methods we are using to solve it. Is general practice addressing obesity and weight loss in the right way?