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Episode 46. Obstructive Sleep Apnea with Dr Michael Ho

Obstructive sleep apnoea is common, it is estimated that 49% of men aged 40-69 have obstructive sleep apnoea rising to 62% above the age of 70. Up to 1 in 10 have undiagnosed obstructive sleep apnoea which may present with snoring, daytime somnolence, depression and significant hypoxemia during sleep with associated cardiac arrhythmias.

Obstructive sleep apnoea is common, it is estimated that 49% of men aged 40-69 have obstructive sleep apnoea rising to 62% above the age of 70. Up to 1 in 10 have undiagnosed obstructive sleep apnoea which may present with snoring, daytime somnolence, depression and significant hypoxemia during sleep with associated cardiac arrhythmias.

To discuss this subject in more detail we are joined by experienced respiratory physician Dr Michael Ho in a conversation including:

· Definition of obstructive sleep apnoea

· Associated conditions and sequela

· Polysomnography

· Appropriate management

Please join me in this interesting podcast episode.

Useful references include:

- Dandenong Respiratory Group

- www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

- www.aci.health.nsw.gov.au

To be a guest on the show or provide some feedback, I’d love to hear from you: manager@gihealth.com.au

Dr Luke Crantock MBBS, FRACP, is a gastroenterologist in practice for over 25 years. He is the founder of The Centre for GI Health, based in Melbourne Australia and is passionate about educating General Practitioners and patients on disease prevention and how to manage and improve their digestive health.

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Episode 43. Radiofrequency Ablation with Dr Matthew Swale

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has revolutionised treatment for tachyarrhythmias and has become first line treatment for some tachycardias. Some arrhythmias are relatively common, atrial fibrillation for example affects up to 9% of our population over the age of 80 years and provides a very significant risk for thromboembolic stroke, haemorrhagic stroke as well as impairment of quality of life whilst also contributing to heart failure.

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has revolutionised treatment for tachyarrhythmias and has become first line treatment for some tachycardias. Some arrhythmias are relatively common, atrial fibrillation for example affects up to 9% of our population over the age of 80 years and provides a very significant risk for thromboembolic stroke, haemorrhagic stroke as well as impairment of quality of life whilst also contributing to heart failure.

Since the pioneering work in 1998 of Michel Haissaguerre, RFA has become widely accepted therapy and we are fortunate to have a discussion today with expert electrophysiologist and cardiologist Matthew Swale regarding:

· RFA

· Suitable candidates

· Risks

This was an excellent discussion with Matthew, and I am very pleased to invite you to the episode.

Useful references include:

www.genesiscare.com

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

www.heart.org

To be a guest on the show or provide some feedback, I’d love to hear from you: manager@gihealth.com.au

Dr Luke Crantock MBBS, FRACP, is a gastroenterologist in practice for over 25 years. He is the founder of The Centre for GI Health, based in Melbourne Australia and is passionate about educating General Practitioners and patients on disease prevention and how to manage and improve their digestive health.

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Episode 42. Atrial Fibrillation and DOAC's with Dr Matthew Swale

Atrial fibrillation is the most commonly experienced arrhythmia increasing in prevalence with age. It is estimated that 3 in 1000 under the age of 65 years have atrial fibrillation rising to 9% of people reaching the age of 80 years. The rate of stroke in untreated atrial fibrillation ranges from 5% per year with minimally associated risk factors up to 15-20% per year with associated risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, heart failure and a history of vascular disease. The mortality of atrial fibrillation related to stroke is high and estimated at 25% in 12 months.

Atrial fibrillation is the most commonly experienced arrhythmia increasing in prevalence with age. It is estimated that 3 in 1000 under the age of 65 years have atrial fibrillation rising to 9% of people reaching the age of 80 years. The rate of stroke in untreated atrial fibrillation ranges from 5% per year with minimally associated risk factors up to 15-20% per year with associated risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, heart failure and a history of vascular disease. The mortality of atrial fibrillation related to stroke is high and estimated at 25% in 12 months.

Not only is it very important to recognise atrial fibrillation it is also important to understand how to provide adequate anticoagulation. Whilst warfarin has been available since the 1950’s as a vitamin K inhibitor limiting the hepatic synthesis of factor II, VII, IX and X as well as protein C and S, since 2008 factor Xa inhibitors and direct thrombin inhibitors referred to as direct oral active anticoagulants or DOACs have become available, avoiding the food and drug interactions that are commonly seen with warfarin and the need for regular drug monitoring.

We are joined in this episode by experienced electrophysiologist and cardiologist Dr Matthew Swale to discuss:

· Atrial fibrillation and its risks

· Anticoagulation with DOACs

· Anticoagulation post stenting

This is a great conversation with Matthew and I am very pleased to invite you to the episode.

Useful references include:

www.genesiscare.com

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

www.heart.org

To be a guest on the show or provide some feedback, I’d love to hear from you: manager@gihealth.com.au

Dr Luke Crantock MBBS, FRACP, is a gastroenterologist in practice for over 25 years. He is the founder of The Centre for GI Health, based in Melbourne Australia and is passionate about educating General Practitioners and patients on disease prevention and how to manage and improve their digestive health.

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