Upper gastrointestinal haemorrhage complicating antiplatelet treatment with aspirin and/or clopidogrel: where we are now?

A large number of patients require antiplatelet therapy (mainly aspirin and/or clopidogrel). Recent studies suggest that the combination of these agents is useful in patients with acute coronary syndrome and after percutaneous coronary intervention with stent placement. On the other hand, bleeding complications, most of which arise from the upper gastrointestinal (UGI) tract, can limit the use of antiplatelet drugs.

Diagnosis and management of the metabolic syndrome in obesity.

The metabolic syndrome is a constellation of interrelated abnormalities that increase the risk for cardiovascular disease and progression to type 2 diabetes. The prevalence of this syndrome is increasing because of the 'obesity epidemic'. The National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III defined practical criteria for the diagnosis of the metabolic syndrome and established the basic principles for its management.