Management of Chronic Stable Angina
Management of Chronic Stable Angina Several million Americans suffer from coronary heart disease (CHD), and more than 600,000 die each year from the condition and its complications. Even for patients…
Management of Ventricular Irritability in the Ambulatory Setting
Management of Ventricular Irritability in the Ambulatory Setting The discovery of ventricular ectopy in the outpatient setting raises concerns about serious underlying heart disease and the possibilities of cardiac arrest…
Outpatient Management of Atrial Fibrillation
Outpatient Management of Atrial Fibrillation Atrial fibrillation (AF) is becoming an increasingly frequent problem, due in large part to the aging of the population. In patients older than the age…
Management of Hypertension
Management of Hypertension Hypertension is one of the few conditions in medicine that can be readily detected and effectively treated in the asymptomatic period before irreparable harm is done. It…
Evaluation of Palpitations
Evaluation of Palpitations The patient with palpitations reports a disquieting awareness of his or her heartbeat, which may be described as a “pounding,” “racing,” “skipping,” “flopping,” or “fluttering” sensation. It…
Evaluation of Syncope
Evaluation of Syncope Syncope denotes reversible loss of consciousness due to transiently insufficient cerebral perfusion and can be among the most difficult of conditions to evaluate because the story may…
Evaluation of Arterial Insufficiency of the Lower Extremities
Evaluation of Arterial Insufficiency of the Lower Extremities David C. Brewster For older persons, arterial circulation to the lower extremity is a key determinant of functional status and ability to…
Evaluation of Leg Edema
Evaluation of Leg Edema Leg edema can be a bothersome complaint and an initial symptom of serious underlying disease. Acute onset of unilateral swelling raises the question of deep vein…
Evaluation of the Asymptomatic Systolic Murmur
Evaluation of the Asymptomatic Systolic Murmur In the outpatient setting, systolic murmurs are often noted incidentally in otherwise asymptomatic patients. Although many asymptomatic murmurs are due to conditions of no…
Evaluation of Chest Pain
Evaluation of Chest Pain The patient who presents with chest pain in the outpatient setting poses a diagnostic challenge. The spectrum of diagnostic possibilities ranges from life-threatening cardiac, pulmonary, and…
