Técnica para una correcta toma de la presión arterial en el paciente ambulatorio / Correct technique for taking blood pressure in the outpatient

Resumen La toma de signos vitales es de gran importancia para obtener, de manera objetiva, la información sobre la cual se harán decisiones terapéuticas para nuestros pacientes. Por eso, conocer la técnica correcta para obtener la cifra de tensión arterial constituye un aspecto de la mayor relevancia para el médico en su quehacer cotidiano con los pacientes.

Abstract Measurement of vital signs is highly important since it gives information that helps physicians to make objective therapeutic decisions concerning patient's treatments. This is the reason why the accurate technique of arterial blood pressure measuring is one of the core competencies for the physician's daily practice.

Manifestaciones cardiovasculares en el lupus eritematoso generalizado / Cardiovascular manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus

Pericarditis is the most common cardiac manifestation in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients, although lesions of valves, myocardium and coronary arteries may also occur. In the past, cardiac abnormalities were severe and life threatening. Nowadays, cardiac manifestations are often mild and asymptomatic. However, they can be easily recognized by echocardiography and other novel tests. Vascular occlusion, including coronary vessels, may develop due to vasculitis, premature atherosclerosis or antiphospholipid antibodies. Premature atherosclerosis is the most frequent cause of coronary artery disease in SLE patients. Efforts should be made to control traditional risk factors as well as all other factors that are intrinsic to SLE, which could contribute to atherosclerotic plaque development.