Cardiovascular disease
8 Cardiovascular disease Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of mortality in the Western world, with most deaths arising from ischaemic heart disease. Although the incidence of ischaemic heart disease…
Liver and biliary tract disease
13 Liver and biliary tract disease The liver is the largest organ in the body and performs many important functions (Fig. 13.1). Cirrhosis caused more than 25 000 deaths in the…
Musculoskeletal disorders
15 Musculoskeletal disorders Disorders of the musculoskeletal (MSK) system are extremely common, accounting for up to a quarter of new consultations in general practice. They are the single most frequent…
Kidney and urinary tract disease
7 Kidney and urinary tract disease Renal medicine ranges from the management of common conditions (e.g. urinary tract infection) to the use of complex technology to replace renal function (e.g….
Gastrointestinal and nutritional disorders
12 Gastrointestinal and nutritional disorders Diseases of the GI tract are a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Approximately 10% of all GP consultations in the UK are for indigestion,…
Endocrine disease
10 Endocrine disease Endocrinology concerns the synthesis, secretion and action of hormones. These are chemical messengers released from endocrine glands that coordinate the activities of many different cells. Endocrine disease,…
Infectious diseases
5 Infectious diseases Infectious diseases remain the greatest killers of humankind. Infection differs from other disease processes in that it comprises an interaction between the human body and another organism….
Diabetes mellitus
11 Diabetes mellitus Diabetes mellitus is a clinical syndrome characterised by hyperglycaemia due to absolute or relative deficiency of insulin. Long-standing metabolic derangement can lead to the development of complications…
Blood disorders
14 Blood disorders Blood diseases cover a wide spectrum of illnesses, ranging from common anaemias to rare conditions such as leukaemias and congenital coagulation disorders. Haematological change may occur as…
Interpreting key investigations
19 Interpreting key investigations Although the history and examination remain the key to most clinical problems, investigations are usually required to confirm the diagnosis or to narrow the differential diagnosis….
