RONALD H. LABUGUEN, M.D.

Vertigo is a common cause of dizziness and one of the most frustrating complaints for patients. Discovering the cause of vertigo is vital to facilitate its management; an evidence-based approach using history, physical examination, and radiologic findings can help establish a diagnosis and appropriate treatments

Patient information: "Vertigo: What You Should Know," p. 254

BARBARA OLENDZKI, M.P.H., CHRISTOPHER SPEED, M.N.D., and FRANK J. DOMINO, M.D.

Barriers often prevent effective counseling of patients regarding nutrition; however, cardiovascular disease remains a leading cause of death, and physicians should provide more than pharmacotherapy. Useful tools and a seven-step approach can facilitate nutritional assessment and effective counseling of the patient with dyslipidemia.

Patient information: "Keeping Your Heart Healthy Through Good Nutrition and Exercise," p. 265

ANN M. KHALSA, M.D., M.S.ED.

Counseling of the patient newly diagnosed with human immunodeficiency virus should include prevention of transmission through behavior change and stabilization of psychosocial issues. Preventive interventions include patient education to reduce exposure to infections and screening for, and treatment of, comorbid conditions.

Editorial: "Who Should Care for Patients with HIV/AIDS?," p. 215

JOYCE C. HOLLANDER-RODRIGUEZ, M.D., and JAMES F. CALVERT, JR., M.D.

Hyperkalemia can be a life-threatening metabolic problem and is often seen in patients who have illnesses, are dehydrated, or are receiving medications that impair normal potassium regulation. Treatment efforts include stabilizing the myocardium to reduce the risk of arrhythmias and lowering serum potassium levels.