This topic explores current treatments of cardiovascular diseases; what treatment outcomes emanate from current drug treatment. It also covers the reasons why many studies show poor treatment outcomes. It deals with adverse drug reaction and their drug management where necessary. Current cost effective interventions including prevention strategies including drug treatments are discussed. Issues relating to patients’ knowledge about medication and benefits of adhering to treatment, method of delivery of patient information, are dealt with in detail. It highlights the issues of barriers to adherence to drug treatment and non-drug life style modifications. It also deals with dispensing models that encourage adherence to medication. It explores reasons for late diagnosis and treatment. This chapter will be informed by current studies published in Africa and elsewhere.
Part of the book: Lifestyle and Epidemiology
Pharmacogenomics uses information about a person’s genetic makeup to choose the drugs dosage regimens that are likely to work best for that particular person. The genomic research has changed the “one size fits all” approach and opened the door to more personalized approaches that consider individual genetic makeup tend to enhance the efficacy and safety of drugs; thus saving time and money. Patient DNA influences multiple steps in which the drugs interact with the body and where will the drug act in the body. Genetic makeup-based prescription, design, and implementation of therapy do not only improve the outcome of treatments, but also reduce the risk of toxicity and other adverse events. The aim of the chapter is to explore the documented pharmacogenomics of essential as per pharmacogenomic biomarkers in drug labeling; and suggest efficacy and safety modifications. Polymorphism of drug metabolizing enzymes has the greatest effect on inter individual variability of drug response; affecting the response of individuals to drugs used in the treatment of diseases. Also, genetic deficiency of some enzymes limits effectiveness of drugs in treating concerned diseases. Gene testing prior to initiating concerned treatment is the best clinical practice that to enhance the efficacy and safety of drugs.
Part of the book: Pharmacogenetics
Hospitalisation of chronic diseases can be costly and time-consuming to patients with chronic diseases, and success of management of chronic diseases is in the primary care. This chapter gives a detailed description of primary health and its role in the management of chronic diseases. Hypertension as a chronic disease of interest and its management in the primary healthcare (PHC) context are also to be discussed in detail. However, to give this chapter clarity, a brief description of the country Lesotho will be given. The summary of the country will highlight major barriers to health care which mainly include poverty, difficult topography with no or poor infrastructure which hinder access to primary health care. Situational analysis is made with regard to current practice. The potential role of a pharmacist in the care and treatment of hypertension is explored. Best practices, need for policy change, guidelines and implementation plans will be highlighted. The aim of the chapter is to evaluate how chronic diseases are managed at the primary health care. The objectives include: a) to explore primary health care concept, b) to critically evaluate PHC concept in an African country and c) to describe human resource needs to meet the demands of PHC chronic diseases management.
Part of the book: Primary Health Care