It is common in clinical practice to identify patients with impaired renal function as determined by diminished glomerular filtration rate and elevated creatinine. The decision to undertake thorough work-up and investigation of such patients or to observe and monitor, removing any potential offending nephrotoxic agent, is a clinical problem we address in this podcast with expert nephrologist Dr Tony Amin, who considers:

Up to 23% or more of Australians have varicose veins which may include small spider telangiectasias to large cosmetically challenging varicosities. In this episode we talk with phlebologist Louis Loizou who runs a very successful vein solution clinic in the community where he manages patients with all presentations of varicose veins, large, small, spider veins – he is able to find a solution for all. Louis is a past vice president and honorary secretary of the Australian College of Phlebology.

Heart disease affects one in six Australians with an AMI occurring every 10 minutes and accounts for one in four of all deaths, so primary and secondary prevention are very important considerations in relation to any patient presenting with heart disease or at risk of heart disease. Risk factors including family history, lipid abnormalities, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, smoking or those with elevated BMI all need consideration. Whilst there have been significant controversies regarding lipids management and the use of statins, the evidence for their use, particularly in secondary prevention of heart disease is clear.

Based on the Australian Bureau of Statistics National Health Survey data about one in three people over the age of 18 living in Australia have hypertension or were taking blood pressure lowering medications. A staggering number requiring therapy for a condition which impacts on cerebrovascular disease, coronary artery disease, chronic kidney disease, heart failure and mortality.