Significant focus has been placed on the cardiovascular effects of various treatment options for type 2 diabetes. One topic of concern is the risk of heart failure (HF) associated with dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors. This piece reviews the literature on DDP-4 inhibitor therapy and the risk of HF and HF hospitalization. Suggestions on how to apply the literature to practice are also provided.
Now on Our YouTube Channel: Cardiac Preload, Afterload, and Contractility
Have you or your learners struggled to understand preload, afterload, and cardiac contractility? If so, check out our new YouTube videos!
Flipping Your Rotation (Part 2 of 2): From the Classroom to the Clinic
In Part 2 of this two-part series, we’ll cover how you can integrate the fundamental concepts of the flipped classroom into the experiential learning environment. From the preparation phase to putting it all together, following our guide can help you better utilize the time you spend with your learners.
Flipping Your Rotation (Part 1 of 2): The Fundamentals
In the health care field, learners are expected to complete experiential training (often called rotations or clerkships) to develop clinical skills. However, encouraging learners to apply concepts learned in the classroom often requires a lot of dedicated teaching. As a preceptor, do you find it challenging to make time to teach students because of your other obligations? In this two-part series, we’ll cover strategies to help you engage students on rotation while maximizing time for other activities using the flipped classroom model. In Part 1, we’ll describe the fundamentals of the flipped classroom and explain its benefits and challenges. In Part 2, we’ll cover how the flipped classroom can be applied to experiential learning.
Digoxin defended: why make a SHIFT to ivabradine?
Following publication of the 2016 update to the American College of Cardiology Foundation / American Heart Association guidelines for the management of patients with heart failure, there’s been growing interest in the use of ivabradine, particularly to reduce the risk of rehospitalization for heart failure. But haven’t we had access to an agent that prevents heart failure rehospitalizations for a long time now? In this entry, we’ll explore how digoxin can fill an important niche in the management of patients with heart failure who remain at high risk for readmission despite optimal guideline-directed medical therapy.
Sacubitril/Valsartan in Advanced Heart Failure
Sacubitril/valsartan reduces the risk of hospitalizations and cardiovascular death in patients with symptomatic heart failure, but what is its role in advanced disease, as management strategies shift to a palliative plan of care? In this piece, we will discuss the role of sacubitril/valsartan in patients living with advanced disease.
Clinical Pharmacy Specialist in Cardiology: What’s in a Name?
Many are surprised to learn that pharmacists can specialize in certain therapeutic areas, including cardiology. In this entry, we’ll explore what it takes to become a clinical pharmacist specializing in cardiology, from prerequisite training for pharmacy school to advanced post-graduate credentials.
8 Simple (and Free) Tools for Enhancing Your Rotation
Looking for a way to up your precepting game through the use of technology? In this piece, we provide some free and relatively easy-to-use tools that you can incorporate into your learning experience.
Which Thiazide-Type Diuretic Should be First-Line in Patients with Hypertension?
The Eighth National Joint Committee recommends a thiazide-type diuretic as one of the first line treatment options for patients with hypertension. However, there is substantial evidence to support the use of a thiazide-like diuretic (e.g., chlorthalidone) over a thiazide diuretic (e.g., hydrochlorothiazide or HCTZ). In this piece, we review the data on why thiazide-like agents should be preferred in this setting.
Clinical Update on the Pharmacologic Management of Pericarditis
What is the most optimal strategy for the pharmacologic management of pericarditis? Dr. Benjamin Laliberte reviews the latest evidence in a new video.