How does quetiapine compare to other second-generation antipsychotics in terms of recreational abuse. What are the risks and consequences of misusing antipsychotic medications. Why has quetiapine become a target for recreational use and substance abuse. How can healthcare providers address the growing issue of antipsychotic medication misuse.

The Rise of Quetiapine Abuse: An Emerging Trend in Drug Misuse

Quetiapine, commercially known as Seroquel, has become an unexpected subject of recreational abuse in recent years. This second-generation antipsychotic medication, primarily prescribed for conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, has found its way into the hands of substance abusers seeking new highs. The phenomenon of quetiapine misuse raises concerns about the potential for abuse of other atypical antipsychotics and the broader implications for public health and drug policy.

Is quetiapine truly addictive? While not classified as a controlled substance, evidence suggests that some individuals develop a psychological dependence on the drug. Reports of intentional misuse, including intranasal and intravenous administration, have surfaced in medical literature and clinical settings. This unexpected trend challenges our understanding of drug-seeking behavior and the potential for abuse among medications not traditionally associated with recreational use.

Comparing Quetiapine to Other Second-Generation Antipsychotics

How does quetiapine stack up against its counterparts in terms of abuse potential? While all second-generation antipsychotics carry risks when misused, quetiapine appears to be particularly attractive to recreational users. Several factors contribute to its popularity:

• Sedative effects: Quetiapine’s strong sedating properties make it appealing to those seeking sleep aids or a “downer” effect.
• Anxiolytic properties: The drug’s ability to reduce anxiety may be sought after by individuals with substance use disorders.
• Perceived safety: As a prescription medication, some users mistakenly believe quetiapine is safer than illicit drugs.
• Availability: Off-label prescribing and diversion from legitimate medical use increase accessibility.

Other atypical antipsychotics, such as olanzapine and risperidone, have also been reported in cases of misuse, but not to the same extent as quetiapine. The unique pharmacological profile of quetiapine, including its rapid onset of action and shorter half-life, may contribute to its higher abuse potential.

Off-Label Use and Prescription Trends: A Double-Edged Sword

The increasing prevalence of quetiapine abuse is closely tied to its widespread off-label use. A study by Alexander et al. (2011) found that off-label prescriptions for antipsychotics in the United States increased significantly between 1995 and 2008. Quetiapine, in particular, has been prescribed for various conditions beyond its approved indications, including:

1. Insomnia
2. Generalized anxiety disorder
3. Depression
4. Substance use disorders

While off-label use can provide benefits for some patients, it also increases the availability of the drug for potential misuse. Healthcare providers must carefully weigh the risks and benefits when considering quetiapine for non-approved indications, particularly in light of its emerging abuse potential.

The Dark Side of Quetiapine: Health Risks and Adverse Effects

What are the dangers of recreational quetiapine use? Misusing this potent antipsychotic can lead to a range of serious health consequences:

• Cardiovascular issues: Quetiapine can cause changes in heart rhythm and blood pressure.
• Metabolic disturbances: Weight gain, diabetes, and lipid abnormalities are common side effects.
• Neurological problems: Symptoms like akathisia, tardive dyskinesia, and neuroleptic malignant syndrome may occur.
• Cognitive impairment: High doses can lead to confusion, disorientation, and memory problems.
• Respiratory depression: When combined with other central nervous system depressants, quetiapine can dangerously slow breathing.

A case study by George et al. (2013) reported acute dyskinesia, myoclonus, and akathisia in an adolescent male who abused quetiapine via nasal insufflation. This highlights the unpredictable and potentially severe consequences of non-medical use, especially when alternative routes of administration are employed.

The “Q-Ball” Phenomenon: Quetiapine in Polydrug Use

One particularly concerning trend is the combination of quetiapine with other substances of abuse. The term “Q-ball” has emerged to describe the intravenous use of quetiapine mixed with cocaine or other stimulants. This dangerous practice seeks to balance the stimulant high with quetiapine’s sedative effects.

Waters and Joshi (2007) reported a case of intravenous quetiapine-cocaine use, emphasizing the risks associated with this form of polydrug abuse. The combination can lead to unpredictable physiological effects and increase the likelihood of overdose or adverse reactions.

Why do users combine quetiapine with other drugs?

Several factors drive the use of quetiapine in polydrug contexts:

• Mitigation of stimulant side effects
• Enhancement or modulation of other drug experiences
• Self-medication for withdrawal symptoms
• Desire for novel drug combinations

The emergence of these practices underscores the need for targeted education and intervention strategies to address the unique risks associated with antipsychotic misuse in polydrug settings.

Quetiapine Abuse in Vulnerable Populations

Certain groups appear to be at higher risk for quetiapine misuse and abuse. These vulnerable populations include:

1. Individuals with substance use disorders
2. Incarcerated individuals
3. Adolescents and young adults
4. Patients with a history of drug-seeking behavior

A study by Mattson et al. (2015) analyzed emergency department visits involving quetiapine misuse and abuse using data from the Drug Abuse Warning Network (DAWN). The findings revealed significant rates of quetiapine-related emergency visits, particularly among younger age groups and those with co-occurring substance use issues.

In correctional settings, quetiapine has gained notoriety as a drug of abuse. Keltner and Vance (2008) discussed the challenges of managing quetiapine prescriptions in incarcerated populations, where the medication may be sought after for its sedative and anxiolytic effects or used as a form of currency.

Addressing Quetiapine Misuse: Strategies for Prevention and Intervention

How can healthcare providers and policymakers tackle the growing issue of quetiapine abuse? A multi-faceted approach is necessary:

• Prescriber education: Raise awareness about the potential for misuse and implement stricter prescribing guidelines.
• Patient screening: Assess patients for risk factors associated with drug abuse before prescribing quetiapine.
• Monitoring programs: Implement prescription drug monitoring programs to track quetiapine dispensing and identify potential misuse patterns.
• Alternative treatments: Explore non-pharmacological interventions and alternative medications for off-label indications.
• Research: Conduct further studies to better understand the mechanisms of quetiapine abuse and develop targeted interventions.

Healthcare systems must also adapt to recognize and address quetiapine abuse. This includes training emergency department staff to identify signs of misuse and developing protocols for managing quetiapine-related admissions.

The Future of Antipsychotic Medication Use and Abuse

As our understanding of quetiapine abuse evolves, it raises questions about the potential for misuse of other antipsychotic medications. Will we see similar trends emerge with newer atypical antipsychotics? Ongoing surveillance and research are crucial to staying ahead of emerging drug abuse patterns.

The quetiapine abuse phenomenon also highlights the need for a broader discussion on the off-label use of psychotropic medications. Balancing the potential benefits of these drugs with their risks requires careful consideration and may necessitate regulatory changes to ensure patient safety.

Can pharmaceutical innovations address the issue?

Future drug development efforts may focus on creating antipsychotic medications with lower abuse potential. This could involve formulations that are more difficult to misuse or compounds that provide therapeutic benefits without the sedative effects that make quetiapine attractive to recreational users.

In conclusion, the recreational abuse of quetiapine represents a complex challenge at the intersection of mental health treatment, substance abuse, and pharmaceutical policy. Addressing this issue requires collaboration between healthcare providers, researchers, policymakers, and law enforcement to develop comprehensive strategies that protect public health while ensuring access to necessary treatments for those who need them.

Quetiapine Misuse and Abuse: Is it an Atypical Paradigm of Drug Seeking Behavior?

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Quetiapine abuse – myth or reality?

Helge Waal, Jørn Henrik Vold, Svetlana Ondrasova Skurtveit

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Helge Waal

E-mail: [email protected]

Helge Waal, professor emeritus at the Norwegian Centre for Addiction Research, University of Oslo, and adviser at the National Advisory Unit on Substance Use Disorder Treatment, Oslo University Hospital

The author has completed the ICMJE form and declares no conflicts of interest.

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Jørn Henrik Vold

Jørn Henrik Vold, PhD fellow at the department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen. He is affiliated with the Bergen Addiction Research (BAR) group at the Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital.

The author has completed the ICMJE form and declares no conflicts of interest.

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Svetlana Ondrasova Skurtveit

Svetlana Ondrasova Skurtveit, senior advisor at the Department of Mental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, and professor at the Norwegian Centre for Addiction Research, University of Oslo.

The author has completed the ICMJE form and declares no conflicts of interest.

Article

Quetiapine is increasingly being used as a sedative and hypnotic drug, especially in the treatment of addiction disorders. Some have warned against this practice. However, a review of the research literature lends little support to these warnings.

The risk of dependency limits the use of sedatives and hypnotics, especially in vulnerable patients. Antihistamines, antidepressants and antipsychotics are therefore often prescribed instead, but adverse effects limit their utility. Second-generation antipsychotics have significantly fewer parkinsonian adverse effects and are increasingly used. This applies to quetiapine in particular. A number of articles in the Journal of the Norwegian Medical Association are warning against this increase (1, 2). These drugs have been approved for treatment of mood disorders and psychoses, but the dosages indicate its use for insomnia and other sleep disorders (2). In spite of a call for a reduction in the prescribing of antipsychotics, especially to older people, the prescribing of quetiapine is increasing (3). Some recent reports have given rise to the suspicion that this increase may be due to patients who actively want such a prescription (4).

Quetiapine in the treatment of addiction

Quetiapine in the treatment of addiction

Patients with addiction disorders frequently suffer from agitation, anxiety, depression and not least insomnia. Comorbid afflictions such as anxiety disorder and depression are common, due to genetic issues as well as various stresses. However, benzodiazepines and z-hypnotics reinforce the intoxicant effects and can trigger as well as reinforce the tendency to use intoxicants. Furthermore, they increase the risk of complications, including the risk of a fatal overdose. Many patients refuse to use pharmaceutical drugs that have no potential for abuse, for reasons including adverse effects. Second generation antipsychotics are generally better accepted by the patients, and in recent years quetiapine has in particular been prescribed.

Risk of abuse?

Risk of abuse?

Reports from a number of countries show that the use of quetiapine is increasing and that a considerable proportion of the prescribing is off-label (5–8). The question is what this trend reflects and how it should be assessed. The terms abuse and misuse are often used in this literature. One report uses the term recreational abuse (5). Evoy and colleagues use the term abuse-related events (7). However, these terms are not defined in terms of diagnostic criteria for addiction disorder, but are based either on their use outside the approved indication or on various criteria for hospitalisation due to poisonings or other crises. Intoxication and detoxification problems are barely described, if at all. Individual reports describe pills being crushed for inhalation or injection, and some case histories describe dosage escalation and problems with dosage tapering, but it is difficult to ascertain whether this is due to an increase in problem intensity or insufficient effect. The evidence for risk of abuse of quetiapine is generally rather weak, given that heavily addicted substance abusers tend to try out many different drugs. Moreover, problems with dosage tapering are common in the use of all types of psychotropic drugs such as antidepressants and antipsychotics.

The key question is therefore whether atypical antipsychotics are sought after because of their euphoriant effects. This is rarely, if ever, clinically described, and the pharmacological profile of quetiapine renders it unlikely. The reports discuss possible mechanisms with reference to the mechanisms of action and metabolisation of quetiapine. This gives an impression of theorising that has not been confirmed by animal or clinical studies. These are therefore assumptions that in reality appear to be based on concerns over increased use. The articles do not sufficiently distinguish between use outside the approved indication on the one hand and abuse on the other. If the use and dosage increases are justified by a reduction in difficulties and symptoms, this alone does not constitute abuse.

Increased mortality from the use of quetiapine?

Increased mortality from the use of quetiapine?

A number of studies refer to increased mortality from the use of atypical antipsychotics, particularly quetiapine. A large Finnish registry study of mortality during long-term treatment of patients with schizophrenia with eleven years of follow-up is frequently cited. This study found that quetiapine was associated with slightly elevated mortality when compared to other atypical antipsychotics (9). The increase in mortality was due to an increased risk of suicide with the use of quetiapine, while cardiovascular mortality was the second lowest in this group. It is uncertain whether the increased incidence of suicide can be linked to the drug-based therapy, and in our opinion this study cannot be taken as evidence that quetiapine is associated with a higher mortality risk. The article’s message is also another, namely a recommendation to use clozapine as less problematic than other relevant drugs. In a recent study from Finland (10), with overlapping study populations and 20 years of follow-up, the ranking of quetiapine among the other antipsychotics changes in terms of both cardiovascular and total mortality. In this study there was no difference in suicide risk among users of quetiapine and patients who were not undergoing drug-based therapy.

More adverse effects?

More adverse effects?

The most common adverse effects from the use of atypical antipsychotics are weight gain, increased triglyceride level and possibly a higher prevalence of diabetes, endocrine disturbance and cardiac complications with effects on cardiac rhythm and blood pressure. The adverse effects are primarily associated with high dosages, and are common in antipsychotic therapy. When used off-label, dosages are normally low (25–100 mg/day) for some days or weeks. There is less evidence of difficulties from such use. Cates et al. found an average weight gain of 4.2 pounds (1.9 kg) in psychiatric patients who were prescribed an average of 109.3 mg of quetiapine for insomnia in addition to other antipsychotic treatment (11). A similar study showed a weight gain of 11 pounds (approximately 5 kg) after the use of up to 100 mg of quetiapine per day for one year (12). This may indicate that quetiapine accounts for a certain tendency towards weight gain, which is also found in the use of other antipsychotics. A comprehensive study comparing the problems inherent in the use of various types of atypical antipsychotics, based on a database of poisonings in the United States, gives little indication of specific risks (5). There was a somewhat increased tendency towards reduced alertness and a somewhat reduced tendency towards dystonia in connection with quetiapine intoxication when compared to other antipsychotic drugs. However, the similarities predominate. Nor was the severity of the intoxication any worse in case of quetiapine: 73.4 % of the intoxications were deemed to carry little medical risk and 24.6 % were considered moderately hazardous. Hazardous conditions were identified in 2 % of the cases of quetiapine intoxication. This is somewhat below the average for all antipsychotic drugs.

How useful is quetiapine in the treatment of sleep disorders?

How useful is quetiapine in the treatment of sleep disorders?

Debernard et al. state that quetiapine is not a sleeping pill (2). As a first-line treatment for primary insomnia, this is undoubtedly correct. A large-scale review of the benefit of quetiapine for insomnia concludes that in light of the adverse effects, such use is unwarranted (13). This applies to all atypical antipsychotics (14). To be sure, some studies point out desirable effects for certain types of sleep disorders, but these studies are methodologically weak. Studies that include placebo-controlled effect on sleep lend little support to the use of quetiapine for insomnia, but suggest an effect in those who also suffer from obsessive-compulsive disorder and generalised anxiety (15).

The neurobiology behind sleep and sleep mechanisms is complex, and mental disorders affect sleep in various ways. The effect of drugs, e.g. quetiapine, can vary from one patient to another. The benefit for primary insomnia can be real in cases of complex conditions. For example, quetiapine has a separate indication as supplementary treatment for depressive disorders (16). A comprehensive review of the benefits and difficulties associated with the use of all registered atypical antipsychotics showed that their benefit varied somewhat between the different formulations (17). Quetiapine was found to be more useful than the others for generalised anxiety, but not for other conditions. Our assessment is that quetiapine might be attempted for sleep disorders or agitation when the use of benzodiazepines and z-hypnotics is undesirable.

Norwegian experiences

Norwegian experiences

Data from the Norwegian Prescription Registry show that 5 183 persons were prescribed with quetiapine in 2005. In 2018, this number had risen to 63 125 persons (18). Thereby, the one-year prevalence had increased to 1.2 %. These figures also include treatment of psychoses and affective disorders, but the increase is nevertheless considerable. However, no reports of usage problems have been submitted by the departments for addiction treatment. The medical advisor at the Emergency Addiction Services and Detoxification, Oslo University Hospital, has on request reviewed the department’s clinical experience and concluded that the department has not registered any increased prescribing of or demand for quetiapine. In exceptional cases the department has encountered patients who have been prescribed with, or despite regular prescribing have used ‘supratherapeutic’ doses, but they have no information on patients having obtained quetiapine from others (P. Krajci, personal communication).

The heads of units that provide drug-assisted rehabilitation convene twice annually to discuss experiences. At the last session (2–3 December 2019) only one of a total of twenty units reported having encountered a wish for increased dosage. All the others reported exclusively problem-free, though often moderately beneficial use. The LASSO programme (drug-assisted harm-reducing substitution treatment in Oslo), which provides a low-threshold option for persons with addiction disorder in central Oslo, does not know of any patients who have requested this drug. This suggests that there is little demand for it in the central Oslo drug scene.

Norway has relatively high overdose mortality. 95 % of the autopsies after such deaths take place at the Department of Forensic Medicine, Oslo University Hospital. Its annual statistics provide information about the findings (19). The number of deaths where antipsychotics were detected increased considerably from 2009 to 2015, but not in subsequent years. In 2018 a little more than 2 000 investigations were carried out, and intoxicants or pharmaceutical drugs were detected in somewhat more than 1 500 of these. Olanzapine was found in 3 % and quetiapine in 4 % of the examinations (H.M. Edvardsen, Department of Forensic Pathology and Clinical Forensic Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, personal communication). In a large-scale Nordic study from 2012, quetiapine was not deemed to be the man intoxicant in any of 194 cases of overdose deaths in Norway. The substance was later detected in seven persons (3.6 %), but it was not known whether this was due to prescribed treatment (20).

Conclusion and recommendations

Conclusion and recommendations

We cannot see any evidence that the increased use of quetiapine is due to increased abuse or addiction to this drug in Norway. However, like other atypical antipsychotics, the drug can cause serious intoxication, and it has metabolically adverse effects indicating that its use should be restricted to necessary and useful treatment. Quetiapine is approved for treatment of schizophrenia and bipolar disorders, but its use outside the approved indications has increased, for example in treatment of addiction, sleep disorders and agitation when the use of benzodiazepines and z-hypnotics should be avoided or restricted. Quetiapine is also used to support tapering and withdrawal from benzodiazepine addiction. Such treatment should be undertaken over a shorter period of time and with lower dosages, and its use should be assessed against its clinical benefit and in light of the problem that even lower dosages can result in weight gain and elevated triglyceride levels.

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    Zhornitsky S, Potvin S, Moteshafi H et al. Dose-response and comparative efficacy and tolerability of quetiapine across psychiatric disorders: a systematic review of the placebo-controlled monotherapy and add-on trials. Int Clin Psychopharmacol 2011; 26: 183–92. [PubMed][CrossRef]

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    Maglione M, Maher AR, Hu J et al. Off-Label use of atypical antipsychotics: An update. Rockville, MD: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, 2011.

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    Reseptregisteret. http://www.reseptregisteret.no/ Accessed 19.5.2020.

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    Havig SM, Middelkoop G. Obduksjonsstatistikk. Funn i blodprøver fra obduksjoner utført i 2018. Oslo: Oslo universitetessykehus, 2019. https://oslo-universitetssykehus.no/seksjon/avdeling-for-rettsmedisinske-fag/Documents/Obduksjonsstatistikk%20for%202018.pdf  Accessed 19.5.2020.

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    Simonsen KW, Edvardsen HM, Thelander G et al. Fatal poisoning in drug addicts in the Nordic countries in 2012. Forensic Sci Int 2015; 248: 172–80. [PubMed][CrossRef]

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Psychoactive Substance	Psychoanalytic Supervision	Psychoanalyst
Psychoanalyst (film)	Psychoanalyst (disambiguation)	Psychoanalyst
Psychoanalysis	Psychobilly	Mental hospital
Crazy	Psychographic test
Libin’s psychographic test	Psychographics	Psychohygiene
Psychogymnastics	Psychogeny	Psychogenic enuresis
Psychogenic parasitosis	Psychogenic school maladjustment	Psychogenic overeating
Psychogenetics	Psychogeography	Psychospiritual practice
Psychodrama	Psychodrome	Psychodrome (film)
Psychodysleptic substances	Psychodysleptics	Psychodiagnostics
Psychodynamic direction	Psychodynamics	Psychodosis
Psyodermatology	Psychedelia	Psychedelia Tomorrow
Psychedelic therapy	Psychedelic music
Psychedelic Psychotherapy	Psychedelic	Psychedelic embossed
Psychedelic trans	Psychedelic folk	Psychedelic rock
Psychedelic experience	Psychedelic experience (guideline for taking psychedelic substances)	Psychedelic experience (guideline for taking psychedelic substances)
Psychedelic pop	Psychedelic plants	Psychedelic substances
Psychedelic drugs	Psychedelic	Psychedelic
Psychedelic rock	Psychedelic pop	Psychedelic trance
Psychedelic folk	Psychedelic rock	Psychedelic pop
Psychedelic	Psycho clothes	Psychosis
Psychosis (film)	Psychosis (film, 1960)	Psychosis (film, 1998)
Psychosis (film, 2009)	Psychosis (film, 2010)	Psychosis (novel)
Psychosis (disambiguation) )	Psychosis 2 (novel)	Hypersensitivity psychosis
Psychoses	Hypersensitivity psychoses	Psychohistory
Psychohistory (fiction)	Psychohistory (disambiguation)	Psychoimmunology
Psychocult	Psychocybernetics	Psychokinesis
Psychocorrection	Psycholyricist	Psycholinguist
Psycholinguistics	Psychologist	Psychologist of Religion
Consumption Psychologist	Psychologist Graves	Psychology
Psychology 21	Forensic psychology	Environmental psychology
Psychology of social cognition	Sports psychology	Family psychology
Management psychology	Labor psychology	Psychology of dance
Psychology of creativity	Psychology of the crowd	Psychology of development
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Psychology of religion	Psychology of abnormal development	Psychology of perception
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Psychology of space perception	Educational psychology	Traffic psychology
Psychology of deviant behavior	Health psychology
Psychology and Buddhism	Art psychology	Psychology art (book)
Psychology of individual differences	Psychology of corruption	Psychology of communication in an organization
Psychology of lies	Psychology of personality	Psychology of musical preferences
Mass psychology 900 16	Psychology of peace	Psychology of peaceful behavior
Psychology of science	Psychology of peoples	Psychology of peoples and masses
Psychology of peoples and masses (book)	Psychology of learning	Psychology of education
Psychology of behavior	Psychology21	Psychological compatibility
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Psychological experiment	Psychological training	Psychological type
Psychological test	Faculty of Psychology, Moscow State University MV Lomonosov
V. M. Munipova	Psychological horror	Psychological novel
Psychological journal	Psychological Institute of the Russian Academy of Education	Psychological Institute. L. G. Schukina
Psychological Institute. L.G. Shchukina	Psychological Institute. L.G.Shchukina	L.G. portrait of a criminal	Psychological gender	Psychological horrors
Psychological types	Psychological typologies	Psychological theories of emotions
Psychological boundaries	Psychological qualities	Psychological operations
Psychological testing	Psychological pricing	Psychological opinion
Psychological cliche	Psychological counseling	Psychological literary criticism
Psychological manipulation	Psychological modeling	Psychological satiety
Psychological violence	Psychological stress	Psychologist
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Psychometric booth	Psychometric entrance exam in Israel	Psychometrics
Psychonaut	Psychonaut (values)	Psychonauts
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Psychoneurosis	Psychoneurosis	Psychoneurological dispensary
Psychoneurological institute	Psychoneurological boarding school	Psychoneuroendocrinology 900 16
Psychoneuroimmunology	Psychoorganic syndrome	Psychooncology
Psychopsides	Psychopractice	Psychoprophylaxis
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Psychopathy	Psychopathy (syndrome)	Psychopathy (meanings)
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Psyche (disambiguation)	Psyche (mythology)	Psyche (play)
Psychedelic	Psychedelics	Psyche
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Psiahas, Panagiotis	Psiax (vase painter)	Psibient
Psigmorchis tiny	Psydrina 90 016	Psidak
Psidium	Psizha	Psizha (river)
Psiy	Psiy (river)	Psikya
Psikta	Psykter	Psikose
Psila	Psilak is	Psilakis, Michael
Psilanthropism	Psilander	Psilander Waldemar Einar
Psilander, Valdemar	Psilander, Waldemar Einar	Psilander, Gustav
Psilander, Gustav von	Psili	Psyl
Psyllastearic acid	Psyllides	Psyllobora
Psilo-balm	Psylotic	Psilophytes
Psilophyte	Psilophytes	Psilocyb

Cardioprogress Foundation for the Promotion of Cardiology

Innovative technologies in medicine. International Congress DATS 2023 (Baku, Azerbaijan)
The International Medical Congress DATS 2023 was held in the capital of Azerbaijan, Baku, from June 17 to 22, 2023, organized by the Tabib State Administration for Medical Territorial Services of Azerbaijan.

A new scale has been developed to predict the risk of cardiovascular disease in diabetes
Experts developed the SCORE2-Diabetes score to predict the ten-year risk of developing cardiovascular disease in people with type 2 diabetes. The tool can be used to address the need for intensive diabetes management and prescribing drugs to prevent cardiovascular complications.

WHO does not recommend the use of non-carbohydrate sweeteners for weight control
The World Health Organization (WHO) does not recommend the use of carbohydrate-free sweeteners for weight control and to reduce the risk of developing non-communicable diseases. Their long-term use may increase the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and mortality.

ACC publishes expert consensus on the management of patients with heart failure
The American College of Cardiology (ACC) has published an expert consensus on the management of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. The statement covers in detail the issues of diagnosis and therapy.

Congratulations and lecture “Medics’ contribution to the victory in the Great Patriotic War”
Dear Colleagues!

The Cardioprogress Foundation congratulates you on the occasion of the Great Victory. Doctors and physicians made a great contribution to the victory during the Great Patriotic War.

How to optimize the management of a patient with arterial hypertension
In March of this year, the XIХ All-Russian Congress “Arterial hypertension 2023: the current state of the problem” was held.

Commemoration of World Health Day 2023 and 75 years of WHO
On World Health Day, 7 April 2023, the World Health Organization celebrates its 75th anniversary. WHO was founded by a collective initiative of the nations of the world in 1948 to promote human health, keep the world safe, and serve the interests of vulnerable populations so that everyone, wherever they are, has the opportunity to achieve the highest levels of health and well-being.

In South Korea, the regulator approved the smart ring for monitoring blood pressure
South Korean medical startup Sky Labs has received national regulatory approval for a wearable blood pressure monitoring device. The cardio tracker has the shape of a ring, is worn on the finger and helps to quickly adjust the dosage of medicines for outpatients.

Spain to develop device for non-invasive monitoring of implanted stents
Nimble Diagnostics, a subsidiary of the Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute and the Polytechnic University of Catalonia, has raised €1 million on the market to develop the first medical device to monitor patients with implanted stents. This will avoid serious complications and improve the quality of medical care.