{"title":"Coronary artery disease: stable angina","authors":"Zahra Naderi, Rasha Al-Lamee","doi":"10.1016/j.mpmed.2026.04.010","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mpmed.2026.04.010","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>A global public health issue, coronary artery disease (CAD) is recognized as the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Stable angina, a symptom of CAD, is defined as chest pain typically triggered by exertion or emotional distress and relieved by rest. Effective history-taking, assessing the nature and frequency of symptoms, a good physical examination and identifying key risk factors is vital in the initial care of patients with stable angina, allowing clinicians to opt for the most suitable test to investigate further. Over the last three decades, research has explored the most effective treatment modalities for the management of stable angina, in the form of percutaneous coronary intervention, coronary artery bypass graft surgery and medical therapy. Furthermore, understanding the definition of stable angina, its pathophysiology and patient symptomatology is key to developing trials to address some of the remaining unanswered questions. This chapter outlines some of the most important randomized controlled trials that have played a key role in developing our understanding of the complex aetiology of symptom management, most effective treatments and long-term outcomes of patients with stable angina.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":74157,"journal":{"name":"Medicine (Abingdon, England : UK ed.)","volume":"54 7","pages":"Pages 475-482"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148559474","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Chronic aortic disease","authors":"Sudeep Das De, Kamran Baig, Christopher Young","doi":"10.1016/j.mpmed.2026.04.006","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mpmed.2026.04.006","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Chronic aortic disease encompasses thoracic and abdominal aortic aneurysms, including chronic dissection, genetic aortopathies and post-intervention states after surgical or endovascular repair. Most aortic aneurysms are degenerative and histopathologically involve cystic medial degeneration and atherosclerosis. Surgery is currently indicated where the maximum aortic diameter is >55 mm, but lower thresholds are appropriate if there are additional risk factors. A variety of techniques – surgical, endovascular and hybrid – can be used depending on the aneurysm site and patient factors. The mortality rate for elective proximal aortic surgery is <1.5%.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":74157,"journal":{"name":"Medicine (Abingdon, England : UK ed.)","volume":"54 7","pages":"Pages 512-515"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148559480","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Acute aortic syndrome","authors":"Xun Yuan, Rachel E. Clough, Christoph A. Nienaber","doi":"10.1016/j.mpmed.2026.04.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mpmed.2026.04.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The concept of acute aortic syndrome (AAS) facilitates the early identification of patients with chest pain caused by an aortic condition, and expedites risk stratification and definitive treatment. Important differential diagnoses are acute coronary syndrome, pulmonary embolism and chest pain from trauma. Individuals with AAS should be evaluated using a combination of blood tests, electrocardiography and imaging, such as computed tomography CT or echocardiography initially, and magnetic resonance imaging at a later stage. Classic aortic dissection is the most common form of AAS. Risk factors include congenital factors such as hereditary connective tissue disorders, bicuspid aortic valve with aortopathy and, most importantly, acquired conditions such as untreated hypertension. Patients with evidence of rupture of one aortic layer, malperfusion syndrome or end-organ ischaemia require urgent intervention; in cases of proximal dissection including the arch this is typically open surgery, and in distal or type B dissection it is usually endovascular stent-graft placement with ancillary procedures. The optimal management of patients with AAS is challenging and requires a multidisciplinary team approach. Further studies are required to fully characterize conditions within the AAS spectrum and to offer an individualized, patient-centred treatment.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":74157,"journal":{"name":"Medicine (Abingdon, England : UK ed.)","volume":"54 7","pages":"Pages 508-511"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148559479","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Cardiac computed tomography","authors":"James Shambrook, Georgina H. Adam","doi":"10.1016/j.mpmed.2026.03.004","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mpmed.2026.03.004","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Cardiac computed tomography (CT) is now commonly used for the assessment of patients with stable angina. As it has a high sensitivity for the identification of coronary artery disease, the use of coronary CT is increasing. Coronary CT can also be used to image coronary artery bypass grafts, stents and cardiac anatomy variants. Reviewing the indications, contraindications, scan preparation and technique helps clinicians to gain a better understanding of the referral process and the processes involved in acquiring good-quality CT images. Assessment of the coronary arteries is made and a standardized reporting framework is used to score patients according to stenosis and subsequently guide clinicians’ management.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":74157,"journal":{"name":"Medicine (Abingdon, England : UK ed.)","volume":"54 6","pages":"Pages 430-434"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148060480","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Cardiac catheterization","authors":"Timothy Williams","doi":"10.1016/j.mpmed.2026.03.009","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mpmed.2026.03.009","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Cardiac catheterization describes the passage of catheter tubes into and through the heart by either arterial (left heart catheterization) or venous (right heart catheterization) access. Left heart catheterization is predominantly used in assessing coronary artery anatomy and disease, and to facilitate treatment. It is also used in conjunction with right heart catheterization for assessing cardiac haemodynamic function including pulmonary and systemic circulatory performance, assessing pulmonary hypertension, evaluating some valvular heart disease and assessing pericardial constriction. In the UK left heart catheterization is usually performed via the radial artery route, with right heart catheterization performed via a central vein (usually femoral or jugular). Complications are rare and procedures are usually well tolerated by patients.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":74157,"journal":{"name":"Medicine (Abingdon, England : UK ed.)","volume":"54 6","pages":"Pages 446-449"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148060418","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The Medicine CPD platform: providing evidence of continuing professional development for physicians","authors":"Janet Knox, Albert Ferro","doi":"10.1016/j.mpmed.2026.04.004","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mpmed.2026.04.004","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Continuing professional development (CPD) is an integral part of a physician's professional life. Using verified and accredited tools can help physicians identify and resolve knowledge gaps immediately through targeted testing, as well as provide evidence for revalidation requirements and continual learning. This article highlights the benefits of the Elsevier <em>Medicine</em> E-Platform, specifically how this can help provide knowledge, testing and evidence of learning.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":74157,"journal":{"name":"Medicine (Abingdon, England : UK ed.)","volume":"54 6","pages":"Pages 456-457"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148060421","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The electrocardiogram","authors":"Patrick Davey, David Sharman","doi":"10.1016/j.mpmed.2026.03.005","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mpmed.2026.03.005","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This article describes the features that should be looked at on a 12-lead electrocardiogram to determine whether it is normal. It describes the abnormalities found in certain conditions, including atrial enlargement, ventricular hypertrophy, acute chest pain, ST elevation myocardial infarction and syncope, with many illustrations.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":74157,"journal":{"name":"Medicine (Abingdon, England : UK ed.)","volume":"54 6","pages":"Pages 400-407"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148060477","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Anatomy of the heart","authors":"Neda Irenji, Nada Al-Sakini","doi":"10.1016/j.mpmed.2026.03.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mpmed.2026.03.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The heart begins beating at the third week of intrauterine life. This relentless hollow muscular machine, approximately the size of a human fist, can circulate >1500 gallons of blood around the body daily. It connects to the great vessels and is powered by a unique electrical system with unidirectional blood flow governed by four valves. In the era of complex percutaneous cardiac interventions and surgery, it has never been more crucial to understand its anatomy for accurate targeted interventions and minimal complications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":74157,"journal":{"name":"Medicine (Abingdon, England : UK ed.)","volume":"54 6","pages":"Pages 377-382"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148060473","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Central venous cannulation","authors":"Rathai Anandanadesan, Susanna Price","doi":"10.1016/j.mpmed.2026.03.011","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mpmed.2026.03.011","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Central venous access is a vital component of care for critically ill patients and serves as a tool for monitoring and delivering vasoactive agents and drugs. The risks associated with insertion (arterial puncture, haemo/pneumothorax, thrombosis, infection) can be mitigated by a careful assessment of the insertion site, use of ultrasonography and adherence to evidence-based guidelines for preventing hospital-acquired infections. Point-of-care ultrasonography provides real-time imaging during insertion and has become the standard of care for central venous access.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":74157,"journal":{"name":"Medicine (Abingdon, England : UK ed.)","volume":"54 6","pages":"Pages 450-452"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148060419","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The chest radiograph in cardiac disease","authors":"James Shambrook, Georgina H. Adam","doi":"10.1016/j.mpmed.2026.03.008","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mpmed.2026.03.008","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Although there have been significant recent developments in cardiovascular imaging the chest radiograph (CXR) continues to be the initial imaging performed by the radiology department for patients with cardiac disease. The CXR is an inexpensive tool that can provide valuable clinical information. This article aims to build on the core principles of CXR interpretation that medical professionals have acquired during their training to date, and to focus on specific findings relating to cardiac disease.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":74157,"journal":{"name":"Medicine (Abingdon, England : UK ed.)","volume":"54 6","pages":"Pages 408-412"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148060469","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}