G. Strube - Böcker

An informative review of the use of ACE inhibitors in treating hypertension in general (family) practice. It also serves as a reference for basic information on the pharmacology and mode of action of this relatively novel class of drugs. The general approach reflects the needs of practitioners by emphasizing the pragmatic view. Epidemiology and pharmacology are included in the context of what a general practitioner needs to know for the effective treatment and management of patients at risk from hypertension. The book adopts an easy-to-use layout with the frequent use of tables and charts to present complex information in an easily assimilated way.

The original Beecham Manual for General Practice was produced by Dr Selwyn Carson, of Christchurch, New Zealand, whose objective was a set of instructions for patient care for his practice team. Beecham Research Laboratories published and distributed it. Dr Ed Gawthorn of Melbourne, Australia, edited an Australian version again published and distributed by Beecham Research Laboratories. We were invited to adapt the New Zealand and Australian editions for British readers -but we decided that we should produce an entirely new Manual. This was done and it was published and distributed to general practitioners by Beecham Research Laboratories. This latest edition has been revised and updated. The Manual is a ready reference on planned care of certain age groups and situations; specific procedures and emergencies; and clinical care in general practice of important conditions. We have intentionally adopted a concise didactic style that should be helpful for trainers, trainees and members of the practice team. We thank Beecham Research Laboratories, and especially Ed Stanford and Bill Burns, for their support and help over many years. John Fry (Editor) June 1982 viii Section A PLANNED CARE Family Planning A1 Discuss with the individual patient the advantages and disadvantages of all the methods. Keep in mind individual needs, wishes and religious beliefs. In Great Britain • 2.5 million women are registered with their G.P.'s for contraception. -100 per G.P. • 95% of G.P.'s provide contraceptive services.

ACE inhibitors are one of the most exciting and interesting of recent medical developments. They fit the patho-physiologica1 processes of cardiovascular disease with fascinating precision and are a constant stimulus to the acquisition of greater understanding of the mechanisms involved and of the mode of action of the drugs themselves. There is still much to be learned, especially about the wider effects of the drugs, their precise mode and site of action and about differences between the different preparations. ACE inhibitors are of proven benefit to patients with chronic congestive heart failure and are the latest in the series of drugs used in the treatment of hypertension. Interest in the treatment of hypertension has paralleled the development of hypotensive drugs and the realisation that long-term prognosis could be significantly improved. The treatment of hypertension has progressed in stages following the development of a succession of increasingly effective drugs, each allowing a greater proportion of patients to be treated with fewer and fewer side-effects. First, the ganglion-blocking agents such as hexamethonium and guan­ ethidine transformed the outlook for patients with malignant hypertension but proved too unpleasant for routine use in other forms of hypertension.

Cardiology embraces a number of different conditions and disease processes. The development of effective preventive measures, new drugs and surgical techniques makes it increasingly important to recognise those at risk, to diagnose accurately those suffering from disease and to prescribe, monitor and refer appropriately.