Drug Topics - June 16, 2008 - (Page 44)

44 DRUG TOPICS JUNE 16, 2008 www.drugtopics.com CONTINUING EDUCATION An ongoing CE program of The University of Florida College of Pharmacy and DRUG TOPICS Caring for the failing heart Laura Carter Smoot, Pharm.D., BCPS, Clinical Assistant Professor, Auburn University Harrison School of Pharmacy, Auburn, Ala., Ambulatory Care Pharmacist, Columbus Regional Healthcare System, Columbus, Ga. CE The University of Florida College of Pharmacy is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education as a provider of continuing pharmacy education ACPE # 012-99908-081-H01-P ACPE # 012-99908-081-H01-T processes of reduced left-ventricular (LV) systolic function and subsequent decreased tissue perfusion. Patients typically have chronic HF with periods of acute decompensation depending on proper drug therapy management and adherence to treatment and lifestyle modifications. This article focuses on chronic HF and provides an overview of the disease, reviews proper medication therapy management, and discusses a few of the key trials in HF that have helped establish optimal therapy. As management focuses heavily on medication therapy, pharmacists play a key role in providing education to patients and helping to manage this condition. Epidemiology In the Unites States, about five million people are affected by HF, with more than 500,000 new cases being diagnosed each year. The incidence of this disease continues to rise despite advances in drug therapy over the last couple of decades. Nearly one million hospitalizations each year are attributed to this complicated syndrome and it has now become the most common reason for elderly hospitalizations. Complications of HF create significant morbidity and mortality that affect many patients’ lives as well as their families. The overall five-year survival rate is only about 50%. Healthcare costs for this condition are also becoming a tremendous burden to society. The 2008 update of heart disease and stroke statistics from the American Heart Association revealed costs of $34.8 billion for this specific cardiac disease. Costs will continue to rise as the baby boomers continue to age, making management of this condition even more crucial. This lesson is no longer valid for CE credit after 6/30/10. To obtain immediate CE credit, take the test online at www.drugtopics.com. Just click on the “Continuing Education” box on the Drug Topics home page, which will take you to the CE site. Log in, find and click on this lesson, and follow the three simple steps. Test results will be displayed immediately and you can print the certificate showing your earned CE credits. Introduction Chronic heart failure (HF) often describes a condition in which the heart loses its ability to meet the metabolic demands of the body due to an inadequate cardiac output. Pharmacological intervention has become the cornerstone of treating HF patients. Therapy for patients with systolic dysfunction primarily targets underlying neurohormonal processes responsible for ventricular remodeling and subsequent progression of HF. Chronic HF often relates to the ongoing For questions concerning PRINT CEs, call (352) 273-6275. For questions concerning ON-LINE CEs, call (866) 261-3558. Photo: Getty Images/Photodisc http://www.drugtopics.com http://www.drugtopics.com

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Drug Topics - June 16, 2008 Contents Latebreakers Letters Latebreakers in Depth Pharmacists Lose in Final ESRD Rule New Drug Helps Palliative Patients on Opioids Take Care of Business Oral Treatment Reduces Multiple Sclerosis Flare-ups Beware of Inflammatory Masses From Implantable Infusion Systems Safer Therapeutic Options Emerging for Atrial Fibrillation Congressional Committee Chair Calls for Action Against Hospital Infections This Software System Helps Hospitals Manage Anticoagulation Therapy Rx Care Community Practice JP at Large Self-Care Cover Story Long-Term Care Chains and Business Technology Technology Update Continuing Education New Products Advertisers Index Classified Viewpoint

Drug Topics - June 16, 2008

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