Screening and management of cardiovascular disease in Australian adults with HIV infection

Sexual Health ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 495 ◽  
Author(s):  
Derek Chan ◽  
David Gracey ◽  
Michael Bailey ◽  
Deborah Richards ◽  
Brad Dalton

Background Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is common in HIV infection. With no specific Australian guidelines for the screening and management of CVD in HIV-infected patients, best clinical practice is based on data from the general population. We evaluated adherence to these recommendations by primary care physicians who treat HIV-infected patients. Methods: Primary care physicians with a special interest in HIV infection were asked to complete details for at least 10 consecutive patient encounters using structured online forms. This included management practices pertaining to blood pressure (BP), blood glucose, electrocardiogram, lipid profile and CVD risk calculations. We assessed overall adherence to screening and follow-up recommendations as suggested by national and international guidelines. Results: Between May 2009 and March 2010, 43 physicians from 25 centres completed reporting for 530 HIV-infected patients, of whom 93% were male, 25% were aged 41–50 years and 83% were treated with antiretrovirals. Risk factors for CVD were common and included smoking (38%), hyperlipidaemia (16%) and hypertension (28%). In men aged >40 years and women aged >50 years without evidence of ischaemic heart disease, only 14% received a CVD risk assessment. Lipid and BP assessments were performed in 87% and 88% of patients, respectively. Conclusions: This Australian audit provides unique information on the characteristics and management of HIV and CVD in clinical practice. We have found a high burden of risk for CVD in HIV-infected Australians, but current screening and management practices in these patients fall short of contemporary guidelines.

10.2196/25333 ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. e25333
Author(s):  
Genevieve Coorey ◽  
David Peiris ◽  
Anish Scaria ◽  
John Mulley ◽  
Lis Neubeck ◽  
...  

Background Growing evidence supports the benefits of eHealth interventions to increase patient engagement and improve outcomes for a range of conditions. However, ineffective program delivery and usage attrition limit exposure to these interventions and may reduce their effectiveness. Objective This study aims to evaluate the delivery fidelity of an eHealth intervention, describe use patterns, compare outcomes between low and high users, and identify mediating factors on intervention delivery and receipt. Methods This is a mixed methods study of an internet-based intervention being evaluated for effectiveness in a randomized controlled trial (RCT). The intervention comprised medication and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk data uploaded from the primary care electronic health record (EHR); interactive, personalized CVD risk score estimation; goal setting and self-monitoring; an interactive social forum; and optional receipt of heart health messages. Fidelity was assessed over 12 months. Trial outcomes were compared between low and high users. Data sources included program delivery records, web log data, trial data, and thematic analysis of communication records. Results Most participants in the intervention group (451/486, 93%) had an initial training session conducted by telephone (413/447, 92.4% of participants trained), with a mean duration of 44 minutes (range 10-90 minutes). Staff conducted 98.45% (1776/1804) of the expected follow-ups, mostly by telephone or email. Of the 451 participants who commenced log-ins, 46.8% (211) were categorized as low users (defined as at least one log-in in 3 or fewer months of follow-up), 40.4% (182) were categorized as high users (at least one log-in in more than 3 months of follow-up), and 12.8% (58) were nonadopters (no log-ins after their training session). The mean log-in frequency was 3-4 per month in ongoing users. There was no significant difference between the groups in the primary trial outcome of adherence to guideline-recommended medications (P=.44). In unadjusted analyses, high users had significantly greater eHealth literacy scores (P=.003) and were more likely to meet recommended weekly targets for fruit (P=.03) and fish (P=.004) servings; however, the adjusted findings were not significant. Interactive screen use was highest for goal tracking and lowest for the chat forum. Screens with EHR-derived data held only an early interest for most users. Fidelity measures (reach, content, dose delivered, and dose received) were influenced by the facilitation strategies used by staff, invisible qualities of staff-participant communication, and participants’ responsiveness to intervention attributes. Conclusions A multifeature internet-based intervention was delivered with high fidelity to the RCT protocol and was regularly used by 40.4% (182/451) of users over 12 months. Higher log-in frequency as an indicator of greater intervention exposure was not associated with statistically significant improvements in eHealth literacy scores, lifestyle changes, or clinical outcomes. Attributes of the intervention and individualized support influenced initial and ongoing use.


Circulation ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 132 (suppl_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lorraine M Novosel ◽  
Salina A Smialek

Depression is a risk factor for as well as a comorbidity of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in older adults (OA). Providers must target efforts toward the prevention, recognition, diagnosis, and treatment of depression to reduce CVD burden and morbidity and mortality among our rapidly growing aging population. While the AHA recommends routine screening for depression in all individuals with heart disease and the scientific community considers elevating depression to the status of "formal" CVD risk factor, depression remains under-diagnosed and sub-optimally treated by cardiology and primary care physicians. Nurse practitioners (NPs), utilizing a biopsychosocial model of care have a significant role in screening, health promotion, and risk reduction efforts and are positioned to play a vital role in primary care. This mixed-method study explored NPs’ knowledge, screening and risk reduction behaviors related to depression-CVD in OA. We hypothesized that NPs integrate depression screening, diagnosis and treatment into CVD risk reduction and management. Methods. A national sample of NPs (N=118) completed an anonymous survey. A subset (n=12) participated in a follow-up interview. Results: The NPs were aware of the high prevalence of depression among OA with CVD and identified depression as a risk for CVD. One-half were unaware of the AHA recommendation for depression screening or Medicare depression screening and cardiovascular preventive services. Yet, 70% routinely screened their OA patients, and OA patients with CVD for depression. The NPs (92.7%) were confident in their ability to address classic CVD risks and stressed the importance of a quality patient relationship to optimize depression care. A majority (64%) felt it would be at least “somewhat” easy to incorporate depression into their routine CVD risk reduction practices if depression became a “formal” CVD risk factor. Inadequate counseling skills and lack of mental health resources were cited as challenges. Conclusions. NPs are confident in their ability to promote CVD risk reduction among their OA patients and recognize and address depression in cardiovascular care. They are prepared to incorporate depression into CVD risk reduction practice but lack depression counseling resources.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Genevieve Coorey ◽  
David Peiris ◽  
Anish Scaria ◽  
John Mulley ◽  
Lis Neubeck ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND Growing evidence supports the benefits of eHealth interventions to increase patient engagement and improve outcomes for a range of conditions. However, ineffective program delivery and usage attrition limit exposure to these interventions and may reduce their effectiveness. OBJECTIVE This study aims to evaluate the delivery fidelity of an eHealth intervention, describe use patterns, compare outcomes between low and high users, and identify mediating factors on intervention delivery and receipt. METHODS This is a mixed methods study of an internet-based intervention being evaluated for effectiveness in a randomized controlled trial (RCT). The intervention comprised medication and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk data uploaded from the primary care electronic health record (EHR); interactive, personalized CVD risk score estimation; goal setting and self-monitoring; an interactive social forum; and optional receipt of heart health messages. Fidelity was assessed over 12 months. Trial outcomes were compared between low and high users. Data sources included program delivery records, web log data, trial data, and thematic analysis of communication records. RESULTS Most participants in the intervention group (451/486, 93%) had an initial training session conducted by telephone (413/447, 92.4% of participants trained), with a mean duration of 44 minutes (range 10-90 minutes). Staff conducted 98.45% (1776/1804) of the expected follow-ups, mostly by telephone or email. Of the 451 participants who commenced log-ins, 46.8% (211) were categorized as low users (defined as at least one log-in in 3 or fewer months of follow-up), 40.4% (182) were categorized as high users (at least one log-in in more than 3 months of follow-up), and 12.8% (58) were nonadopters (no log-ins after their training session). The mean log-in frequency was 3-4 per month in ongoing users. There was no significant difference between the groups in the primary trial outcome of adherence to guideline-recommended medications (<i>P</i>=.44). In unadjusted analyses, high users had significantly greater eHealth literacy scores (<i>P</i>=.003) and were more likely to meet recommended weekly targets for fruit (<i>P</i>=.03) and fish (<i>P</i>=.004) servings; however, the adjusted findings were not significant. Interactive screen use was highest for goal tracking and lowest for the chat forum. Screens with EHR-derived data held only an early interest for most users. Fidelity measures (reach, content, dose delivered, and dose received) were influenced by the facilitation strategies used by staff, <i>invisible</i> qualities of staff-participant communication, and participants’ responsiveness to intervention attributes. CONCLUSIONS A multifeature internet-based intervention was delivered with high fidelity to the RCT protocol and was regularly used by 40.4% (182/451) of users over 12 months. Higher log-in frequency as an indicator of greater intervention exposure was not associated with statistically significant improvements in eHealth literacy scores, lifestyle changes, or clinical outcomes. Attributes of the intervention and individualized support influenced initial and ongoing use. CLINICALTRIAL


2018 ◽  
Vol 68 (suppl 1) ◽  
pp. bjgp18X697085
Author(s):  
Trudy Bekkering ◽  
Bert Aertgeerts ◽  
Ton Kuijpers ◽  
Mieke Vermandere ◽  
Jako Burgers ◽  
...  

BackgroundThe WikiRecs evidence summaries and recommendations for clinical practice are developed using trustworthy methods. The process is triggered by studies that may potentially change practice, aiming at implementing new evidence into practice fast.AimTo share our first experiences developing WikiRecs for primary care and to reflect on the possibilities and pitfalls of this method.MethodIn March 2017, we started developing WikiRecs for primary health care to speed up the process of making potentially practice-changing evidence in clinical practice. Based on a well-structured question a systematic review team summarises the evidence using the GRADE approach. Subsequently, an international panel of primary care physicians, methodological experts and patients formulates recommendations for clinical practice. The patient representatives are involved as full guideline panel members. The final recommendations and supporting evidence are disseminated using various platforms, including MAGICapp and scientific journals.ResultsWe are developing WikiRecs on two topics: alpha-blockers for urinary stones and supervised exercise therapy for intermittent claudication. We did not face major problems but will reflect on issues we had to solve so far. We anticipate having the first WikiRecs for primary care available at the end of 2017.ConclusionThe WikiRecs process is a promising method — that is still evolving — to rapidly synthesise and bring new evidence into primary care practice, while adhering to high quality standards.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
M.-C. Audétat ◽  
S. Cairo Notari ◽  
J. Sader ◽  
C. Ritz ◽  
T. Fassier ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Primary care physicians are at the very heart of managing patients suffering from multimorbidity. However, several studies have highlighted that some physicians feel ill-equipped to manage these kinds of complex clinical situations. Few studies are available on the clinical reasoning processes at play during the long-term management and follow-up of patients suffering from multimorbidity. This study aims to contribute to a better understanding on how the clinical reasoning of primary care physicians is affected during follow-up consultations with these patients. Methods A qualitative research project based on semi-structured interviews with primary care physicians in an ambulatory setting will be carried out, using the video stimulated recall interview method. Participants will be filmed in their work environment during a standard consultation with a patient suffering from multimorbidity using a “button camera” (small camera) which will be pinned to their white coat. The recording will be used in a following semi-structured interview with physicians and the research team to instigate a stimulated recall. Stimulated recall is a research method that allows the investigation of cognitive processes by inviting participants to recall their concurrent thinking during an event when prompted by a video sequence recall. During this interview, participants will be prompted by different video sequence and asked to discuss them; the aim will be to encourage them to make their clinical reasoning processes explicit. Fifteen to twenty interviews are planned to reach data saturation. The interviews will be transcribed verbatim and data will be analysed according to a standard content analysis, using deductive and inductive approaches. Conclusion Study results will contribute to the scientific community’s overall understanding of clinical reasoning. This will subsequently allow future generation of primary care physicians to have access to more adequate trainings to manage patients suffering from multimorbidity in their practice. As a result, this will improve the quality of the patient’s care and treatments.


Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 1407
Author(s):  
Jihyun Im ◽  
Kyong Park

The association between soy food and soy isoflavone intake and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk is uncertain, especially in women. We aimed to investigate this association in Korean women. We analyzed data from the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study, including 4713 Korean women aged 40–69 years with no CVD or cancer at baseline. Dietary information was obtained using a validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire, and the incidence of CVD was assessed using biennial self-reported questionnaires on medical history. The mean follow-up time was 7.4 years, during which 82 premenopausal and 200 postmenopausal women reported CVD incidence. The highest tofu, total soy foods, and dietary soy isoflavone intake groups were significantly associated with a decreased CVD risk in premenopausal women (tofu: hazard ratio (HR) 0.39; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.19–0.80; total soy food: HR 0.36; 95% CI, 0.18–0.70; dietary soy isoflavones: HR 0.44; 95% CI, 0.22–0.89), whereas no association was observed in postmenopausal women. Other soy foods showed no association with CVD incidence. Dietary soy isoflavones and total soy foods are associated with a decreased CVD risk in premenopausal women. Among soy foods, only tofu showed significant health benefits.


2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (suppl_1) ◽  
pp. S394-S394
Author(s):  
Arianne Morrison ◽  
Ciarra Dortche ◽  
Nada Fadul

Abstract Background North Carolina bears a high burden of HIV and was ranked number 8 for the number of new infections in 2015. In 2014, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published updated practice guidelines recommending the use of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) with daily oral dosing of tenofovir/emtricitabine to help prevent HIV infection in high-risk individuals. However, the use of PrEP in the primary care setting remains low and 1 in three primary care physicians is not aware of PrEP. The objective of our study was to evaluate PrEP knowledge among primary care resident physicians. Methods 149 resident physicians were surveyed at East Carolina University from the following specialties; Internal Medicine, Medicine-Pediatrics, Obstetrics Gynecology and Family Medicine. We collected participants’ age, biological sex, current residency program, and current year within the residency program. Results Sixty out 149 residents completed the online survey. 20% of residents had never heard of PrEP. 17% of residents did not feel comfortable discussing sexual preferences with their patients. 15% of residents thought prescribing would increase risky sexual behaviors and 12% would not prescribe PrEP to patients with multiple sexual partners. Only 3% of residents identified potential side effects of PrEP (e.g., an increase in creatinine levels or decrease in mineral bone density) as a reason to not prescribe PrEP. One resident had ever prescribed PrEP. 83% of residents wanted more information on PrEP and 95% of residents would be willing to prescribe PrEP if educational workshops were offered. Conclusion PrEP is an underutilized tool among resident physicians in Eastern, NC. We identified lack of knowledge of PrEP and concern for increased risky sexual behaviors as barriers to prescribing. Resident physicians require more education on PrEP in order to prescribe it to their patients. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.


2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fatemeh Koohi ◽  
Davood Khalili ◽  
Mohammad Ali Mansournia ◽  
Farzad Hadaegh ◽  
Hamid Soori

Abstract Background Understanding the distinct patterns (trajectories) of variation in blood lipid levels before diagnosing cardiovascular disease (CVD) might carry important implications for improving disease prevention or treatment. Methods We investigated 14,373 participants (45.5% men) aged 45–84 from two large US prospective cohort studies with a median of 23 years follow-up. First, we jointly estimated developmental trajectories of lipid indices, including low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and triglyceride (TG) concentrations using group-based multi-trajectory modeling. Then, the association of identified multi-trajectories with incident CVD, heart failure, and all-cause mortality were examined using Cox proportional hazard model. Results Seven distinct multi-trajectories were identified. The majority of participants (approximately 80%) exhibited decreasing LDL-C but rising TG levels and relatively stable HDL-C levels. Compared to the individuals with healthy and stable LDL-C, HDL-C, and TG levels, those in other groups were at significant risk of incident CVD after adjusting for other conventional risk factors. Individuals with the highest but decreasing LDL-C and borderline high and rising TG levels over time were at the highest risk than those in other groups with a 2.22-fold risk of CVD. Also, those with the highest and increased triglyceride levels over time, over optimal and decreasing LDL-C levels, and the lowest HDL-C profile had a nearly 1.84 times CVD risk. Even individuals in the multi-trajectory group with the highest HDL-C, optimal LDL-C, and optimal TG levels had a significant risk (HR, 1.45; 95% CI 1.02–2.08). Furthermore, only those with the highest HDL-C profile increased the risk of heart failure by 1.5-fold (95% CI 1.07–2.06). Conclusions The trajectories and risk of CVD identified in this study demonstrated that despite a decline in LDL-C over time, a significant amount of residual risk for CVD remains. These findings suggest the impact of the increasing trend of TG on CVD risk and emphasize the importance of assessing the lipid levels at each visit and undertaking potential interventions that lower triglyceride concentrations to reduce the residual risk of CVD, even among those with the optimal LDL-C level.


2018 ◽  
Vol 54 (4) ◽  
pp. 238-244 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Martinez-Gomez ◽  
Irene Esteban-Cornejo ◽  
Esther Lopez-Garcia ◽  
Esther García-Esquinas ◽  
Kabir P Sadarangani ◽  
...  

ObjectivesWe examined the dose–response relationship between physical activity (PA) and incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in adults in Taiwan.MethodsThis study included 1 98 919 participants, aged 18–97 years, free of CVD, cancer and diabetes at baseline (1997–2013), who were followed until 2016. At baseline, participants were classified into five PA levels: inactive’ (0 metabolic equivalent of task (MET)-h/week), ‘lower insufficiently active’ (0.1–3.75 MET-h/week), ‘upper insufficiently active’ (3.75–7.49 MET-h/week), ‘active’ (7.5–14.99 MET-h/week) and ‘highly active’ (≥15 MET-h/week]. CVD risk factors were assessed at baseline and at follow-up by physical examination and laboratory tests. Analyses were performed with Cox regression and adjusted for the main confounders.ResultsDuring a mean follow-up of 6.0±4.5 years (range 0.5–19 years), 20 447 individuals developed obesity, 19 619 hypertension, 21 592 hypercholesterolaemia, 14 164 atherogenic dyslipidaemia, 24 275 metabolic syndrome and 8548 type 2 diabetes. Compared with inactive participants, those in the upper insufficiently active (but not active) category had a lower risk of obesity (HR 0.92; 95% CI 0.88 to 0.95), atherogenic dyslipidaemia (0.96; 0.90 to 0.99), metabolic syndrome (0.95; 0.92 to 0.99) and type 2 diabetes (0.91; 0.86 to 0.97). Only highly active individuals showed a lower incidence of CVD risk factors than their upper insufficiently active counterparts.ConclusionCompared with being inactive, doing half the recommended amount of PA is associated with a lower incidence of several common biological CVD risk factors. Given these benefits, half the recommended amount of PA is an evidence based target for inactive adults.


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