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Investigates the effect of high and low intensity exercise in the quality of life after acute myocardial infarction in Great Britain. Bases for physical working capacity of the subjects; Assessment of occupational adjustments; Absence of effects of treatment and time point.

Examines the incidence of arrhythmias in patients with suspected myocardial infarction in Great Britain. Effect of beta-blockers on arrhythmias; Use of electrocardiographic tape -recorder in examining the incidence; Assessment on the drugs intended to reduce mortality from myocardial infarction.

Compares the survival of patients with heart attacks admitted to a coronary care unit (CCU) and an ordinary medical ward in Great Britain. Reason behind the medical ward admission of some patients; Difference on resuscitation achievements between patients in CCU and patients in medical ward; Comparison on the mortality of the patients.

The article discusses the urgent need to tackle of the issue of polypharmacy according to a King's Fund report entitled "Polypharmacy and Medicines Optimisation: Making It Safe and Sound." Particular focus is given to the increase in polypharmacy which increases the risk of interactions and adverse drug reactions and affects patient compliance and quality of life. It mentions different recommendations in resolving polypharmacy problems and issues based on the King's Fund report.

The article summarizes recommendations from Great Britain's National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) which were issued on effective secondary prevention in patients after myocardial infarction. A discussion of what the guidelines say about patient lifestyle, cardiac rehabilitation, and drug treatment in patients who have suffered myocardial infarctions, is presented. Arguments are presented which suggest that the effective implementation of the guidelines will depend on planning between specialists and general practitioners.

Objective To examine the extent of uptake of medication for secondary prevention of coronary heart disease in older British men and women before (1998-2001) and after (2003) the implementation of the national service framework. Design Two population based, longitudinal studies of men and women aged 60-79 in 1998-2001, based in one general practice in each of 24 British towns. Participants Men and women with established coronary heart disease at the two time points (respectively 817 and 465 in 1998-2001, 857 and 548 in 2003), aged 60-79 in 1998-2001. Main outcome measures Prevalence of use of antiplatelet medication, statins, β blockers, angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, and other blood pressure lowering treatments (individually and in combination) assessed in 1998-2001 and 2003. Results Between 1998-2001 and 2003, the use of all individual drugs had increased in both men and women, especially for statins (from 34% to 65% in men and from 48% to 67% in women with myocardial infarction). However, less than half received β blockers and ACE inhibitors, even by 2003. Prevalences of medication use were lower in patients with angina than in those with myocardial infarction. The proportions of patients receiving more than one drug increased over time; by 2003 about half of patients with myocardial infarction and a third of those with angina were receiving antiplatelet medication, statins, and blood pressure lowering treatments. Conclusions Between 1998-2001 and 2003, statin uptake and the use of combined drug treatment in elderly men and women increased markedly. Further potential exists, however, for reducing the risk of recurrent coronary heart disease in older patients, particularly by improving the uptake of medication among angina patients, and by more extensive use of blood pressure lowering treatment (particularly with β blockers and ACE inhibitors). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigates the contribution of electrophysiological testing on the patient after acute myocardial infarction in Great Britain. Observation of the patients died after an infarction; Importance of identifying the potential for ventricular tachycardia; Determination of effective treatment and exclude drug related proarrhythmic effects.

Focuses on the mobilization of patient with myocardial infarction in Great Britain. Distinction between angina and the infarction; Abruptness of the onset of coronary thrombosis; Advice for hospital physician to have no rigid rules about mobilization.

Describes the condition of patients with acute myocardial infarction after rehabilitation in Great Britain. Consequences of heart failure; Psychological benefits of physical training program; Increase incidence of impotence after acute myocardial infarction.

Investigates the management policies for patients after myocardial infarction in Great Britain. Variation of policies among different doctors; Statistics of patients that are free of symptoms; Role of exercise testing after myocardial infarction.

The article discusses a Cochrane systematic review and meta-analysis of the effectiveness of home based cardiac rehabilitation programmes and supervised centre based cardiac rehabilitation programs. The researchers considered previous knowledge on the subject, including the effectiveness of the therapeutic approaches in less than 40 percent of people who survive a heart attack in Great Britain. The article also discusses the primary outcomes of the study, potential competing interests and competing interests.

The article presents news items related to medicine. Andrew von Eschenbach, the commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, has requested an additional $275 million annually for his organization. Clinical tests are set to start on a polypill for patients that have had a myocardial infarction which contains aspirin, a statin and an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor. Statistics released by Great Britain's National Health Service indicate that the number of alcohol related admissions to British hospitals has more than doubled since 1996.

The article looks at a report from the Institute for Public Policy Research in Great Britain, which stated that closing some local hospital services could save lives. The report argues that patients with severe injuries or heart attacks have a better chance of survival if they are taken to a specialist center rather than a general hospital. The article discusses the National Health Service and health secretary Patricia Hewitt.