The Journal of family practice
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Low-dose aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid [ASA]; 75 to 100 mg/d) is widely used in the prevention of cardiovascular (CV) events based on the results of large-scale studies supporting a benefit. However, questions remain regarding the benefit-risk relationship in certain settings since long-term use of ASA is not devoid of risk. Incontrovertible evidence supports the benefits of ASA treatment, which exceed the risks, in patients who have had a previous CV event (myocardial infarction, stroke, unstable angina, or transient ischemic attack). ⋯ Recent evidence from large-scale clinical trials shows that administration of low-dose ASA is associated with a reduced risk of CV events with a corresponding small absolute increase in the risk of major bleeding (eg, gastrointestinal bleeding and hemorrhagic stroke). Although the benefit and the risk of low-dose ASA in primary prevention are numerically similar, the clinical consequences of an increased risk of bleeding and a decreased risk of a CV event may not be equivalent. If these data are applied to patients with higher levels of CV outcome risk, more patients may potentially benefit from aspirin use in primary prevention.
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At the end of the activity, participant will be able to: • Identify patients who could benefit from continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) vs fingerstick blood glucose monitoring. • List the types of information provided by CGM systems. • Interpret CGM data using the ambulatory glucose profile (AGP) to assess if the patient is achieving targets established by the International Consensus on Time in Range. • Modify the treatment plan based on CGM data to improve patient outcomes.
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At the end of the activity, participants will be able to: • Identify how heart failure (HF), chronic kidney disease (CKD), and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and associated cardiovascular (CV) risks are interconnected. • Initiate guideline-recommended therapy to reduce CV risk in patients with HF, CKD, and/or T2DM. • Apply evidence for sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT-2 inhibitors) to clinical practice, based on recent and emerging trials. • Review evidence suggesting increased incidence and severity of COVID-19 infection in patients with diabetes.
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This case reminded us that not every moist, erythematous, crusting eruption is purely infectious.
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At the end of the activity, participants will be able to: • Characterize the burden of herpes zoster infections. • Recommend the recombinant zoster vaccine to patients in accordance with guidance from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. • Implement strategies to increase patient acceptance of herpes zoster and other vaccinations. • Use available resources to increase awareness among patients about the importance and safety of recommended vaccinations.