Fast Facts Hypertension

Hypertension is the biggest cause of death and disability in the world, yet it remains underdiagnosed, undertreated and, in many cases, poorly controlled. As in the previous edition, 'Fast Facts: Hypertension' advises on: • accurate measurement of blood pressure and problems such as 'white-coat' hypertension • routine assessments for people with high blood pressure • other modifiable risk factors (smoking, high cholesterol levels etc.) • non-pharmacological measures (reducing salt, losing weight, increasing physical activity etc.) • rational and effective use of all drug treatments • identification of people with secondary hypertension • treatment of children, pregnant women, the elderly and patients with diabetes. Updates in this new edition include: • distinguishing between patients with primary (low renin) and secondary aldosteronism • greater use of home BP measurement in clinical decision-making • the latest thinking on BP treatment thresholds • new guidance on fourth-line therapy for resistant hypertension Sometimes dubbed 'the silent killer', hypertension rarely produces symptoms until it manifests as a heart attack or stroke, so early identification of the condition and appropriate management are vital. This practical readable refresher for every-day use supports better investigation and treatment of high blood pressure by primary care providers and better self-management by patients. Contents: • The dangers of raised blood pressure • Causes • Investigation • When to treat • How to treat • Special patient groups • Uncontrolled hypertension • Useful resources

Hypertension is a highly treatable risk factor for cardiovascular disease, yet it remains underdiagnosed, undertreated and, in many cases, poorly controlled. Sometimes dubbed 'the silent killer', hypertension rarely produces symptoms until it manifests as a heart attack or stroke. Early identification of the condition by routine blood pressure measurement and appropriate ongoing management are therefore vital.In this updated fourth edition of Fast Facts: Hypertension, two authors of international renown provide a practical evidence-based approach to the diagnosis and management of the condition. The book provides a thorough overview of hypertension, covering:- Accurate measurement of blood pressure and problems such as 'white-coat' hypertension- Routine assessments for people with high blood pressure- Consideration of other modifiable risk factors - smoking, high cholesterol levels, etc.- Non-pharmacological measures that doctors can advise on - reduce salt, lose weight, increase physical activity, etc.- Up-to-date trial results on all the pharmacological options- Special considerations for the treatment of children, pregnant women, the elderly and patients with diabetesPrimary care physicians have a leading role to play in screening for hypertension and ensuring that patients receive the most appropriate treatment. Fast Facts: Hypertension provides a concise readable refresher on this common and potentially devastating condition.

Raised blood pressure is the biggest cause of death and disability in the world. However, fewer than one third of hypertensive individuals are being adequately treated. In addition to providing core information on the causes and investigation of raised blood pressure this new edition provides detailed instruction on when and how to treat, special patient groups and includes details of the results of the most recent clinical trials.

Fast Facts: Type 2 Diabetes provides a practical overview of this increasingly common health condition. Written by and for health professionals working in primary care, this colourful and accessible handbook highlights important practice points that cover: • identifying and managing those at risk of developing type 2 diabetes • multifactorial interventions to prevent and treat complications • monitoring recommendations An indispensable read for anyone wanting to get up to speed with best practice in primary care. Table of Contents: • Epidemiology • Prevention strategies • Diagnosis • Self-management • Lowering blood glucose • Hypertension and dyslipidemia • Monitoring and microvascular complications • Macrovascular complications • Special populations

Not to broach the subject of excess weight with a patient is a dereliction of duty as a healthcare professional, say the authors of 'Fast Facts: Obesity'. "Patients who smoke are rapidly identified for intervention, and the same should be true of anyone who is obese". Every consultation is an opportunity to educate and encourage patients to pursue better health. 'Fast Facts: Obesity' is packed with practical advice on how best to support patients to improve their nutrition and levels of physical activity, and change their habits, with simple and achievable goals tailored to individual needs and concerns. This highly readable handbook also provides a comprehensive overview of: • the causes and consequences of obesity • the latest information on pharmacological and surgical options • the issues specific to the management of obesity in children, pregnant women and the elderly. The authors say: “The opportunity to educate others and exert influence can be leveraged at many levels, even with limited amounts of time.” Reading 'Fast Facts: Obesity' is an excellent starting point for any healthcare professional who wants to understand this major threat to human health and ultimately improve outcomes. Contents: • Patient assessment • Causes and science • Cardiometabolic consequences • Other consequences • Management: diet • Management: physical activity • Management: behavioral therapy • Pharmacological and surgical treatments • Children, the elderly and pregnant women • Management tools, prevention and advocacy • Useful resources • The health risks of excess weight figure

Early detection of renal problems coupled with the appropriate therapeutic strategy can radically reduce the progressive nature of, and complications associated with, chronic kidney disease, and in many instances will result in the successful treatment of acute kidney injury. As many patients will not be seen by nephrologists, it is essential that all healthcare professionals, in hospitals and in the community, have an awareness of renal disease – the presenting signs, differential diagnoses, treatment strategies and approach to the management of complications. 'Fast Facts: Renal Disorders' is an easy-to-read, evidence-based guide to renal diseases and disorders for all doctors, nurses and medical students. It includes: • A clear explanation of proteinuria, hematuria, electrolyte imbalances and acid–base disorders • A concise summary of kidney function tests, imaging techniques and biopsy • Important questions for prompt diagnosis of acute kidney injury • Management options for chronic kidney disease and its complications • Practical guidance on the most common renal problems, including glomerulonephritis, systemic disease, UTIs and kidney stones Written by three specialists of international repute, 'Fast Facts: Renal Disorders' provides the key information required for the optimal care of renal patients. This fully updated second edition will help healthcare professionals assess, identify, treat and refer patients with renal problems appropriately. Directly applicable to the clinical setting, it is essential reading for all primary care providers, junior hospital doctors, specialist trainees, renal nurses and medical students. Contents: • Proteinuria, hematuria and renal investigations • Electrolyte disturbances and acid–base disorders • Acute kidney injury • Chronic kidney disease • Hypertension and diabetic nephropathy • Glomerulonephritis • Systemic disease • Inherited kidney disease • Urinary tract infection • Kidney stones • Urinary tract obstruction and tumors • Renal replacement therapy and transplantation

This fully updated new edition has been designed for ease and speed of use in clinical practice. It will empower you with the knowledge to triage your patients into three main groups: emergencies requiring immediate referral; non-emergencies requiring routine referral; or those with treatable conditions. Primarily intended for doctors, optometrists, ophthalmic nurses and other health professionals involved with eye care within the community, this refreshingly readable handbook discusses the major ophthalmological symptoms in the context of daily clinical practice. Contents: • Basic eye assessment: history and examination • Red eye • Blurred vision • Double vision • Other important symptoms • Gritty, itchy or watery eyes • Abnormal eye appearance and/or eye examination • Diabetes, hypertension and systemic medications • Eyelid disease • Children’s eye problems • Eye trauma • Useful resources