Controversies in the Management of Acute Coronary Syndrome: Risk Stratification, Clinical Guidelines, and Safety

• Overview
• Faculty
• Take CE Test

 

Please read the following program information before accessing the presentations using links located at the bottom of this page.

The activity is available from March 1, 2008, through February 28, 2009.

Accreditation for Pharmacists

The American Society of Health System Pharmacists is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education as a provider of continuing pharmacy education. The program provides 2.5 hours (0.25 CEUs) of continuing education credit (program number 204-000-07-472-H01P). This activity is available for continuing education credit from March 1, 2008, through February 28, 2009.

Methods & Format

This is an online activity consisting of audio, presentation slides, post-test, and activity evaluation tool.  Participants must view the entire presentation, take the activity post-test, and complete the course evaluation to receive continuing education credit.  A minimum score of 70% is required on the test for credit to be awarded, and participants may print their official statements of continuing education credit immediately.  The estimated time required to complete this activity is 2.5 hours.  This activity is provided free of charge.

Target Audience

This continuing education activity was planned to meet the needs of pharmacists in a variety of practice settings, including large and small health systems, surgery centers, outpatient clinics, managed-care organizations, long-term care facilities, and academia. This activity would be particularly beneficial for pharmacists, clinical specialists, managers, leaders, and educators who are interested in improving the care of patients with cardiovascular disease.

Activity Content

Although mortality from heart failure has improved, the growing number of patients with the disorder and the progressive nature of the syndrome have led to substantial increases in hospitalizations for acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF). Nearly one million patients are hospitalized annually for ADHF, resulting in significant morbidity, reduced quality of life, and considerable economic burden. The varied clinical presentation of ADHF as well as the potential for adverse responses to intervention makes successful treatment of these patients a challenge. This symposium will provide an overview of the prevalence, pathogenesis, and diagnosis of ADHF. Factors used to stratify patients with ADHF according to risk for unfavorable outcomes will be reviewed. The symposium will also outline current evidence-based ADHF treatment guidelines and review the findings of recent clinical studies on new drug therapies for ADHF. Real-life case studies will be used to illustrate the therapeutic decision-making process.

Learning Objectives

After participating in this educational activity, participants should be able to:

• Describe the prevalence, pathogenesis, and diagnosis of acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF), and identify a prognostic factor that can be used to stratify patients with ADHF by risk for unfavorable outcomes.
• Discuss current evidence-based treatment guidelines for ADHF.
• Describe key results of recent clinical studies of drug therapies for the condition.
• Recommend appropriate drug therapy for an individual with ADHF based on patient-specific variables.
  
  

Faculty

Jo E. Rodgers, Pharm.D., BCPS (AQ Cardiology), Program Chair
Clinical Assistant Professor
School of Pharmacy
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Michael A. Crouch, Pharm.D., BCPS (AQ Cardiology)
Associate Professor of Pharmacy and Medicine
Cardiovascular Clinical Pharmacist, Pauley Heart Center
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, Virginia

Tien M.H. Ng, Pharm.D., BCPS
Assistant Professor of Clinical Pharmacy
School of Pharmacy
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, California

Disclosure Statement

In accordance with the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education’s Standards for Commercial Support, ASHP requires that all individuals involved in the development of activity content disclose their relevant financial relationships and that conflicts of interest be identified and resolved prior to delivery of the activity.

The faculty and planner report the follow relationships

Jo E. Rodgers reports that she is a consultant for Scios Inc. and is on the speakers bureau for Scios Inc. and GlaxoSmithKline.

Michael A. Crouch reports that he is a consultant for GlaxoSmithKline and Novartis and is a speaker for Scios Inc.

Tien M.H. Ng reports that he is a consultant for Abbott Laboratories, Astellas Pharma, Scios, and GlaxoSmithKline and is a speaker for Scios Inc.

Catherine Klein declares that she has no relationships pertinent to this activity.

 

The program was planned and conducted by ASHP Advantage
and supported by an educational grant from Scios Inc.

 

Launch Presentation

If you would prefer a podcast format of this activity, click here.

Download Study Guide

Click here to print the post-test for your reference. Please note that to be eligible for continuing education credit, you must go to the ASHP Advantage Testing Center and complete the test online.