Highlights

Trends in heart disease

The incidence of cardiac disease and its risk factors — hypertension, diabetes and obesity — are increasing in all age groups, say Lee and colleagues. The greatest rise in the prevalence of heart disease was among younger people and those of lower income status, they add. See Research, page E55

Better control of cholesterol and smoking cessation is responsible for the declining mortality rates from coronary disease, says Rosengren. This is despite the increased prevalence of obesity, she adds. See Commentary, page 127

Anemia increases mortality in the elderly

Mortality doubles after 85 years of age if you are anemic, say den Elzen and colleagues. Risk of death, but not functional decline, is independent of co-morbid conditions, they add. See Research, page 151

Does aging cause anemia or do specific diseases of elederly people cause it? Paltiel and Clarfield revisit this debate. See Commentary, page 129

Influenza A (H1N1)

Human-to-human transmission of infection with the novel swine-origin influenza A (H1N1) virus in Canada is described in this case series from Nova Scotia. See Research, page 159

Knowledge translation

Inconsistency in the use of evidence has been documented in numerous clinical settings. Knowledge translation may reduce this inconsistency and increase the use of evidence-based interventions in clinical care. In the first of a series, Straus describes how the 7 phases of the knowledge-to-action cycle can improve adherence to guidelines. See Review, page 165

Models of influenza pandemics

Mathematical models identify and guide strategies for treatment and research when new infectious diseases emerge. Pandemic models are key elements in planning; such is the case for the H1N1 virus. See Analysis, page 171

Charles Bonnet syndrome

Patients with the Charles Bonnet syndrome retain insight into the unreal nature of the vivid recurrent complex hallucinations they experience. See Cases, page 175

Encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis

A high index of suspicion was needed to diagnose encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis in a patient with end-stage renal disease on peritoneal dialysis. See Clinical images, page 177

We’re changing

The CMA and the editor-in-chief of CMAJ explain how the CMAJ is changing in response to economic challenges. See Editorial, page 124 and page 125