Evaluation of heart failure management in a Military Hospital.

Purpose: Evaluate heart failure management in a Military Hospital in 2005.

Methods: Retrospective audit of 46 case records of patients hospitalised with heart failure within the framework of an accreditation procedure.

Results: The left ventricular ejection fraction was evaluated in 85% of cases during the reference hospital stay.

Coronary heart disease and cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy in the elderly diabetic.

Diabetes and old age come together to increase the frequency and severity of coronary heart disease. Often clinically nearly silent, symptoms frequently manifest dramatically, to such an extent that the question of screening should be raised, as in younger subjects. Preventing these manifestations relies on better management of the cardiovascular risk factors and obtaining good blood glucose control, but here progress remains necessary, which also requires adapting to the older patient's clinical and psychological condition.

[Physical activity in hypertension management].

Regular physical activity is especially appropriate for hypertensive patients. Although its effect on individual blood pressure may be modest, its benefits at a population level are substantial. It is a method of choice for preventing hypertension.

[Cardiovascular risk].

Diseases involving an atherosclerotic process, such as coronary heart disease, stroke, heart failure and peripheral arterial disease, are by far the leading cause of death and disability among both men and women of all ethnic groups. The Framingham study and many other epidemiologic investigations have significantly improved the identification of persons at risk and factors amenable to preventive measures. Multivariate risk profiles have been devised in numerous studies with the aim of facilitating global risk assessment.