Serum triglycerides as a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases in the Asia-Pacific Region

Background-The importance of serum triglyceride levels as a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases is uncertain. Methods and Results-We performed an individual participant data meta-analysis of prospective studies conducted in the Asia-Pacific region. Cox models were applied to the combined data from 26 studies to estimate the overall and region-, sex-, and age-specific hazard ratios for major cardiovascular diseases by fifths of triglyceride values. During 796 671 person-years of follow-up among 96 224 individuals, 670 and 667 deaths as a result of coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke, respectively, were recorded. After adjustment for major cardiovascular risk factors, participants grouped in the highest fifth of triglyceride levels had a 70% (95% CI, 47 to 96) greater risk of CHD death, an 80% (95% CI, 49 to 119) higher risk of fatal or nonfatal CHD, and a 50% (95% CI, 29% to 76%) increased risk of fatal or nonfatal stroke compared with those belonging to the lowest fifth. The association between triglycerides and CHD death was similar across subgroups defined by ethnicity, age, and sex. Conclusions-Serum triglycerides are an important and independent predictor of CHD and stroke risk in the Asia-Pacific region. These results may have clinical implications for cardiovascular risk prediction and the use of lipid-lowering therapy.

Videoconferencing in the Queensland health service

Videoconferencing was introduced in the Queensland health service in 1995. By the end of 1999, there were more than 150 videoconferencing units in health facilities around the state. Six audits of videoconferencing usage were conducted using similar methodology at six-month intervals from November 1997 to May 2000. Between November 1997 and November 1999, the number of calls more than doubled, from 566 to 1378. Hours of usage almost trebled, from 671 to 1724. The average duration of calls remained similar, at about I h 12 min. The proportion of calls involving more than two sites (multipoint videoconferences) increased from 44% to 65%. The majority of the activity was for education (including training). Videoconferencing was also used for administration and clinical care. Mental health staff were the heaviest users, but use by health professionals from other specialty areas increased during the study period. The Queensland health service has realized a number of important benefits from telehealth.