Advancing the Management of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Risk Factors: The Role of the Endocannabinoid System

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Click here to take an audio/slide CME course based on the symposium Advancing the Management of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Risk Factors: The Role of the Endocannabinoid System.

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These activities are provided by

the Discovery Institute of

Medical Education.

These activities are supported by an educational grant from Sanofi-Synthelabo Inc., a member of the sanofi-aventis Group.

INTRODUCTION
This series of user-friendly, case-based CME courses covers the endocannabinoid (EC) system and the potential for multirisk management through its regulation. Each course provides a maximum of 0.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™.

Already a major health issue in the United States, the impact of obesity has also become an issue worthy of worldwide concern. Intra-abdominal adiposity plays a central role in a constellation of morbidities, including CVD, diabetes, and related metabolic and vascular disorders (eg, dyslipidemia, hypertension). Recent studies implicate the EC system as a significant contributor to metabolic homeostasis. EC receptors have been detected centrally, peripherally, and in endocrine and related tissues. EC blockade is thought to mitigate the effects of an overstimulated EC system characterized by excess visceral fat and the ensuing morbidities of CVD, diabetes, and metabolic disorders.

These CME activities have been developed to increase awareness among cardiologists and other health care professionals about (1) the EC system and its role in metabolic homeostasis; (2) its impact on key constituents of cardiovascular and metabolic risk status, including high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and insulin, in the presence of excess abdominal adiposity; and (3) its neuromodulation through the administration of CB1 blockade as a risk reduction measure.

Please note that the courses are accredited only for physicians (MD, DO, or equivalent). All other participants receive a certificate of completion.

AVAILABLE COURSES

DESCRIPTION
Jack S—, an obese 68-year-old white man with type 2 diabetes, presents for evaluation of severe hypertriglyceridemia. Because polypharmacy has failed to bring his condition under better control, fish oil capsules have been incorporated into a conventional treatment regimen. However, the capsules cause gastrointestinal upset, which forces Jack to stop taking them.

DESCRIPTION
Michael M—, a 50-year-old African American man, presents for an evaluation because of concern about his risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD). Michael’s father died suddenly at age 56 years, and a friend recently had an MI, which prompted Michael to make an appointment. To date, Michael has had no CVD-related symptoms, including chest pain and dyspnea on exertion. His general health appears to be good, and he can engage in moderate physical activity without experiencing adverse symptoms.

DESCRIPTION
Helen B—, a 56-year-old white woman, presents for an evaluation precipitated by weight gain with worsening swelling of the legs. Helen expresses frustration about gaining weight but is somewhat less troubled by the presence of edema. She has been experiencing dyspnea for the past 2-3 weeks but denies orthopnea.

DESCRIPTION
James H—, a 62-year-old white man, presents for a routine new patient examination. He has a long history of hypertension. About a year ago, he underwent an urgent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) after experiencing angina. Since then, James has stopped smoking. He is occasionally able to go on walks with his wife but is somewhat limited by knee pain.