A Review of Recent European Clinical Guidelines: What Useful for the Practitioner?

Abstract

This review article provides an outline of 5 of the updated clinical practice guidelines of the European Society of Cardiology developed by leading experts of the relevant working groups of the society. Guidelines deal with new approaches to identification, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of pericardial diseases, ventricular arrhythmias, pulmonary hypertension, infective endocarditis and acute coronary syndrome without ST segment elevation and comprise new diagnostic algorithms. Risk stratification and taking into account etiological factors are considered as important links for conduct of medical and surgical treatments of corresponding cardiovascular diseases. Presented new guidelines extend the capabilities of primary care physicians.