158
VOLUME 8 NUMBER 4 • NOVEMBER 2011
SPECIAL REPORT
SA JOURNAL OF DIABETES & VASCULAR DISEASE
agement of dyslipidaemia is therefore vital to addressing the epi-
demic. We and LASSA are committed to engaging meaningfully
with patients and re-establishing the central role of the medical
profession in its evaluation, diagnosis and management.’
The new guidelines also take into account the implications of HIV/
AIDS for dyslipidaemia in South Africa. HIV/AIDS is associated with
abnormal lipid profiles in some patients and certain antiretrovirals
(ARVs) can exacerbate matters. Already, simvastatin cannot be used
in patients on protease inhibitors and the US Food and Drug Admin-
istration has now issued an official warning applicable to all patients,
regardless of HIV status, that the 80-mg dose not be used in future.
Stable patients currently taking 80 mg with no adverse muscular
effects can be maintained on the dose. However, physicians need to
maintain heightened awareness of potential drug interactions when
adding any new medications to a patient’s regimen.
The SA Heart Association is affiliated to the ESC and Dr Marja-
Riitta Taskinen, emeritus professor of medicine at the University
of Helsinki and a member of the EAS guideline committee, was
present at the local meeting to advise the SA Heart Association
and LASSA. ‘It therefore behoves us to follow its guidelines and not
change them’, says Dr Klug.
The challenge now is to disseminate the new guidelines effec-
tively to the widest possible audience and the associations are look-
ing to embark on a sustainable marketing campaign in this regard.
‘Strategies to achieve this, including how to reach the “non-con-
verted”, were also discussed at the meeting’, concludes Dr Klug.
Peter Wagenaar, Gauteng correspondent
References
Task Force for the management of dyslipidaemias of the European Society of
1.
Cardiology (ESC) and the European Atherosclerosis Society (EAS). ESC/EAS
guidelines for the management of dyslipidaemias.
Eur Heart J
2011;
32
(14):
1769–1818. Published online June 28, 2011. doi: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehr158.
Rosengren A, Hawken S, Ounpuu S, Sliwa K, Zubaid M, Almahmeed WA,
2.
et al;
INTERHEART investigators. Association of psychosocial risk factors with risk of
acute myocardial infarction in 11119 cases and 13648 controls from 52 countries
(the INTERHEART study): case-control study.
Lancet
2004;
364
(9438): 953–962.
PMID: 15364186 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE].
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Each tablet contains Aspirin 81mg. Reg.No.: 29/2.7/0767
Pharmafrica (Pty) Ltd, 33 Hulbert Road, New Centre, Johannesburg 2001
Under licence from Goldshield Pharmaceuticals Ltd. U.K.
The International Society of Cardiovascular Disease Epidemiol-
ogy and Prevention announces the 44th 10-day international
teaching seminar on cardiovascular disease epidemiology and
prevention to be held 15–27 January 2012 in Cape Town, South
Africa in conjunction with the South African Medical Research
Council and the University of Cape Town.
Approximately 36 Fellows can be accepted. The Society’s
seminar committee will make the final selection. Nominees
should ideally be at the postgraduate level with residency train-
ing or its equivalent, and be interested in cardiovascular disease
epidemiology.
Normally, preference is given to younger candidates, with
little or no formal training in epidemiology. Tuition, board and
accommodation are provided without cost to fellows. Fellows
and their sponsors are responsible for their own travel costs to
the seminar.
International Society of Cardiovascular Disease
Epidemiology and Prevention
44th 10-day International Teaching Seminar on Cardiovascular Disease
Epidemiology and Prevention
15–27 January 2012
Cape Town, South Africa
FLUENCY IN ENGLISH IS AN ABSOLUTE ESSENTIAL
Should any accepted Fellow be unable to attend, no substitute
not reviewed by the seminar committee may be sent as an
alternate by the institution.
Applications, including (1) a letter of nomination by the chief of
department or institution, or other relevant sponsor, (2) a personal
letter of application from the nominee, and (3) the applicant’s cur-
riculum vitae, should be received before 15 September 2011 by
the seminar coordinator, address below. Applications can be sent
by e-mail but a signed hard copy should follow in the post.
Professor Kay-Tee Khaw, Clinical Gerontology Unit, PO
Box 251, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine,
Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge CB2 2QQ, England
Fax: +44-1223-336928 • Tel: +44-1223-217292
e-mail:
