Medical

Tackling Hypertension Head-On – Miniseries, Part 1: Raised blood pressure is the leading cause of death in the world resulting in almost 11 million deaths each year, or 30,000 deaths each day, and here in Australia, it is also the leading risk factor for death, yet 68% of people with hypertension are uncontrolled. The good news is, we have an excellent healthcare system, so there is really no reason why we cannot improve substantially to become among the best in the world in hypertension care! In part one of this series we discuss the goals of the newly established National Hypertension Taskforce of Australia, strategies for managing resistant hypertension, key issues of medication adherence, and new treatment options.

While survival rates for cardiovascular disease have improved over the past 50 years, it remains the biggest killer, and the most expensive group of diseases to treat in Australia. Although there is clear evidence now that elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol is a major contributor to significant cardiovascular events, there remains a large unmet need for better lipid control. Many patients are either not receiving any lipid-lowering therapy, and for those being treated, almost half are not at target. In this interview, we are looking at the importance of optimal lipid management to minimise the risk of cardiovascular events.

The Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute miniseries, produced to support GPs in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Miniseries: Micronutrients during the first 1000 days of a child’s life, from conception through the first two years. Part 3: In this interview, we are exploring the impact of pregnancy on maternal iron demands as well as the factors that affect iron absorption and metabolism. While iron supplementation is not routinely recommended for all pregnant women, there are known risk factors for becoming deficient during pregnancy. We unpack strategies to identify and prevent iron deficiency and iron deficiency anaemia in pregnancy.

In this interview we are discussing mental health during the menopause transition, which is a “window of vulnerability” for the development of menopausal associated depression in some women. Studies show that the incidence of depression in middle-aged women is between 20 and 30%. Depressive symptoms may develop or become more severe during the time of dynamic hormonal changes, so as GPs we need to listen to our female patients, and make sure we consider the underlying causes, like menopause, with the middle-aged woman.

A diagnosis of type 2 diabetes (or even prediabetes) can be overwhelming for patients, with a steep learning curve as they find out about lifestyle changes, glucose monitoring and medication. With so much to consider, it’s hardly surprising that less than half of patients with type 2 diabetes actually adhere to dietary recommendations. Evidence shows that medical nutrition therapy improves glycaemic control and reduces the risks of diabetes and its complications. So how can we help our patients realise the benefits of nutrition therapy, especially when the majority of us do not have enough time to provide detailed nutrition advice?

As GPs we are in the hot seat for assessment of each patients’ individual combination of risk factors and pathology, providing lifestyle advice and managing metabolic and cardiovascular risk. In Australia, 25 years of preventative health has seen improvements in the outcomes of cardiovascular disease and cancer, and our patients are living longer. But with evidence showing that chronic sarcopenia is linked to disability and mortality, do we give muscle health the attention it deserves?

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), is one of several highly prevalent multi-symptom functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) that has a wide clinical spectrum. Patients suffering from IBS and FGID symptoms often find it impacts their daily life, affects their quality of life, and even upsets their work. In this final interview in the series, we discuss the management options available, including evidence-based treatments, dietary therapy and psychological therapies.

Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is a complex condition with many different causes and clinical presentations. IBS typically causes abdominal pain, bloating and distension with unpredictable bowel actions including constipation, diarrhoea, or a combination of both.  Now although we still don’t know the exact cause of IBS, researchers are beginning to piece together this incredibly complicated puzzle, listen to learn more….