Given the prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in the United States, it is key for primary care providers to counsel patients on the importance of exercise for CVD prevention. This brief podcast explores data that will help clinicians understand the need to prescribe exercise and rehabilitation in the primary care setting. You’ll walk away with clear guidance to offer patients and ultimately improve outcomes in CVD as well as multiple chronic diseases.

Live at Pri-Med East! In this episode, each podcaster will discuss the most impactful paper and podcast of the year.

For non-valvular atrial fibrillation, physicians, patients, and guideline organizations all prefer direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) over vitamin K antagonists, such as warfarin, for thromboembolic prophylaxis. For those with valvular atrial fibrillation, the data for safety and efficacy have been limited because randomized trials comparing DOACs to warfarin often exclude patients with valvular atrial fibrillation. Join us to explore new data that sheds light on the use of DOACs in valvular atrial fibrillation.

Join us to hear a discussion on the important changes the AHA/ACC and USPSTF have made to their positions on the use of aspirin for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease. The organizations note that while aspirin for primary prevention lowers the risk of a myocardial infarction, its harmful effects may outweigh its benefits. Learn the aspirin recommendations for your patients in their 40s, 50s, and 60s who are at higher risk for a cardiovascular event.

Stroke is a major health problem, and the risk of stroke is five-times higher in individuals with atrial fibrillation (AF) than those without. AF can be asymptomatic or subclinical. In 18% of AF patients, the condition is only detected at the time of stroke. It is not known whether individuals whose AF is deterred via screening carry a similar risk to individuals with known AF. A recent randomized trial evaluated a screening program for AF in individuals at high risk of stroke; for individuals identified with AF, anticoagulation was given for stroke prevention.

The concerns over the use of NSAIDs have been well documented. The medications can raise blood pressure and have been linked to an increased risk of heart disease and stroke when used long term. These known risks, supported by the FDA’s warning in 2005, has prompted many clinicians to prescribe acetaminophen instead. But do acetaminophen products confer a lower risk of cardiovascular effects? Join us for this episode to review the results from recent trials assessing similar blood pressure effects from regular use of acetaminophen.

Alcohol consumption has been associated with negative cardiovascular outcomes, yet many clinicians still counsel patients that it is okay in moderation. Past observational studies have supported this idea, showing a dose-dependent relationship between alcohol consumption and the incidence of a-fib. In this episode we will explore the latest RCT out of Australia, which suggest that no level of alcohol intake is safe when it comes to a-fib.

What do primary care providers need to know about PCPs in Diabetes, atrial Fibrillation, Mild Cognitive Impairment? Join expert faculty as they review important questions they get asked about these topics!

Join Dr. Ty Gluckman and Dr. Rachel Bond as they discuss important areas in cardiology where primary care clinicians can make a big difference. These topics include recognizing aortic and thoracic aneurisms, including screening in appropriate populations. Also included are updates in lipids management.