[The effect of omega-3 fatty acids on risk factors for cardiovascular diseases].

Unlabelled: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is associated with dyslipidemia and frequently with insulin resistance, both of which are in general no alleviated by antilipidemic drugs. Our objective was to examine whether a dietary supplement containing omega-3 fatty acids (n-3 FA) can reduce the levels of serum lipids, fasting insulin and glucose in documented CVD patients treated by statins or bezafibrates. In a double-blind placebo-controlled trial of parallel design, 52 patients, age 69.

A new approach to blood pressure measurement in the primary care setting.

In this study, a method of taking one blood pressure reading using a sphygmomanometer was compared with a method of taking multiple successive readings using an automatic device. With multiple readings the blood pressure tended to be lower and fewer patients were classified as hypertensive. Using an automatic blood pressure recording device seems to be a practical way of achieving multiple readings in a busy clinic setting.

Treatment of hypertension during pregnancy with hydralazine monotherapy or with combined therapy with hydralazine and pindolol.

Forty-four consecutive patients referred for treatment because of hypertension (greater than 150/90 mmHg) occurring during pregnancy were randomly allocated to one of two treatment groups, hydralazine alone (n = 21) or hydralazine combined with pindolol (n = 23). Satisfactory blood pressure control (diastolic pressure less than 90 mmHg) was achieved in 86% of patients receiving hydralazine alone and 91% of those on combined therapy. Although the treatment did not lower the overall incidence of hypertensive complications it appeared to delay the onset of such complications until successful surgical intervention was possible.

Massive proteinuria in patients with chronic pyelonephritis.

Massive proteinuria associated with chronic pyelonephritis is reported in five patients. Two of them were known to have vesicoureteral reflux, whereas three had minor predisposing factors only. None of the patients were in severe renal failure or suffered from severe hypertension at the time of massive proteinuria.