Hypertension (HTN) is a major independent risk factor for the development of stroke, coronary artery disease (CAD), peripheral arterial disease (PAD), heart failure (HF) and chronic kidney disease (CKD). HTN is a growing public health problem in Oman, almost certainly the most prevalent modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). The risk of CVD in patients with HTN can be greatly reduced with lifestyle modifications and effective antihypertensive therapy. Randomized trials have shown that blood pressure (BP) lowering produces rapid reductions in CV risk. Several studies have shown that the majority of the hypertensive patients remain uncontrolled. It is well established that the observed poor control of the disease is not only related to poor adherence to medications, but also to limited awareness and adherence to evidence-based management of hypertension among physicians. Several guidelines for the management of patients with hypertension have been published. However, the aim of this document is to provide the busy physicians in Oman with more concise and direct approach towards implementing these guidelines into clinical practice.

A 60-year-old male hypertensive was suspected to have post myocardial infarction left ventricular aneurysm. His transthoracic echocardiogram performed elsewhere reported an inferior wall left ventricular aneurysm. He was referred for coronary angiography. His coronary angiogram and repeat transthoracic echocardiogram demonstrated an accessory chamber arising from mid-inferior wall synchronously contracting with the left ventricle suggesting a diverticulum. In addition, he had anomalous coronary arteries with coronary artery disease. His electrocardiogram did not reveal any features suggestive of a post infarct aneurysm. This case illustrates the importance of a comprehensive clinical and echocardiographic examination with a broad differential thought process.

CS in AMI patients presenting to a tertiary hospital in Oman have high in-hospital mortality despite the majority undergoing PCI. Even though the in-hospital mortality is comparable to other studies and registries, there is an urgent need to determine the causes and find any remedies to provide better care for such patients, specifically concentrating on the early transfer of patients from regional hospitals for early PCI.

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