A man in his mid-40s who had been recently started on alirocumab (a human monoclonal antibody which inhibits proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9) due to his strong familial cardiovascular risk and refractory hypercholesterolaemia presented with a few-hour history of acute-onset left-sided blurred vision. The best-corrected visual acuities were 6/6 bilaterally and slit-lamp examination was normal. However, optical coherence tomography revealed serous subretinal fluid in the left macula.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe elevated burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD) amongst South Asian populations is a complex and multi-factorial phenomenon. South Asians evolved from environments where malaria was endemic, and while haemoglobin disorders frequent this group, a link to CVD has not been described. Using a case-control feasibility study, haemoglobin abnormalities identified by mass spectrometry were compared between South Asian patients with CVD (n = 72) and non-CVD controls (n = 84).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFVasc Health Risk Manag
December 2009
Long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) supplementation has been used for the secondary prevention of fatal and nonfatal myocardial infarction (MI). However, the benefit of this therapy is frequently confused with other established treatments in the therapeutic strategy among such patients. We review the data on omega-3 PUFA use in secondary care and consider indications for its use which include post-MI and raised triglycerides.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: The burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in Britain is concentrated in inner-city areas such as Sandwell, which is home to a diverse multi-ethnic population. Current guidance for CVD risk screening is not established, nor are there specific details for ethnic minorities. Given the disparity in equitable healthcare for these groups, we developed a 'tailored' and systematic approach to CVD risk screening within communities of the Sandwell locality.
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