Factors affecting cost and patient choice of travel insurance in cardiac disease: a web-based case-control study

Background: The aim of this study was to explore variations in cost and choice of travel insurance in patients with cardiac disease.

Methods: Clinical data from patients with myocardial infarction (MI, n = 20), Marfan syndrome (MFS, n = 10) and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM, n = 10) were input to insurance websites for a proposed ten-day holiday and data for premium cost (£) and choice of quotes (n) collated for each condition. Age-matched healthy individuals were used as controls.

Novel combined management approaches to patients with diabetes, chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular disease

Most patients we care for today suffer from more than one chronic disease, and multimorbidity is a rapidly growing challenge. Concomitant cardiovascular disease, renal dysfunction and diabetes represent a large proportion of all patients in cardiology, nephrology and diabetology. These entities commonly overlap due to their negative effects on vascular function and an accelerated atherosclerosis progression. At the same time, a progressive subspecialisation has caused the cardiologist to treat ‘only’ the heart, nephrologists ‘only’ the kidneys and endocrinologists’ ‘only’ diabetes.

A story of heartache: the understanding of angina pectoris in the pre-surgical period

This paper traces the understanding of angina pectoris over two centuries from its first description by William Heberden, emphasising the Scottish dimension in this process. Such a retrospect is appropriate at a time when natural disasters in several parts of the world are drawing attention to their effect in increasing the incidence of heart attacks.

A story of heartache: the understanding of angina pectoris in the pre-surgical period

This paper traces the understanding of angina pectoris over two centuries from its first description by William Heberden, emphasising the Scottish dimension in this process. Such a retrospect is appropriate at a time when natural disasters in several parts of the world are drawing attention to their effect in increasing the incidence of heart attacks.

Keywords History, angina, heart disease, cardiology, Scottish medicine

Declaration of Interests  No conflict of interests declared.

Tayside’s contribution to the early development of cardiology

This paper gives a brief account of how doctors who were either native to or actively working in Tayside helped to shape the early development of cardiology. It exemplifies how important contributions to the understanding and practice of medicine can be made by an exceptional individual or an inspired team, no matter how unlikely the initial setting for their work might appear. The remarkable role that Sir James Mackenzie played in the understanding and fostering of this speciality in its infancy is outlined.