by: Charissa Hurt RN
According to the American Heart Association (AHA), cardiovascular diseases rank as America’s No. 1 killer. Heart Disease claims the lives of 41.4 percent of the more than 2.3 million Americans who die each year. Over 83% of people who die from the disease tend to be over 65 years (Mauk, 2006).
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is the end result of narrowing and hardening of the arteries associated with fatty plaque buildup and fibrin formation within the heart.
Risk factors include:
- heredity
- race
- increased age
- obesity
- high sodium and cholesterol intake
- sedentary lifestyle. (Mauk, 2006).
CAD can cause angina (chest pain), heart attack, heart failure, high blood pressure and arrhythmias (irregular heart beat).
What can be done to prevent CAD?
Genetics, race and increased age are unavoidable risk factor to developing CAD; however we can make lifestyle modifications to prevent the disease from progressing.
1. Eat a low fat, low sodium, fiber rich diet.
2. Maintain a healthy lifestyle by stop smoking
3. Regular exercise at least every day of the week, such as walking
4. If overweight, try losing a few pounds can make a significant difference
5. Get routine blood pressure screenings
6. If diabetic, controlling blood sugar reduces cardiac risk (Wikipedia, 2008).
CAD is becoming a growing problem in America. Making lifestyle changes can drastically reduce our risk.
References
American Heart Association. 2008.
retrieved Feb. 8 2008
Coronary Artery Disease. Wikipedia the Free Encyclopedia. Feb. 7 2008
retrieved Feb. 8 2008
Mauk, K. L. (2006). Gerontology Nursing: Competencies for care. Sudbury, Massachusetts: Jones and Bartlett
Notes: This blog post reflects the work of Carla Hurt RN (pictured above) with minor editing by Shirley Comer RN and was completed as a class assignment. The information in this blog is for informational purposes only. Before beginning or changing a treatment or lifestyle regime you should consult your primary health care provider.
What can be done to prevent CAD?
Genetics, race and increased age are unavoidable risk factor to developing CAD; however we can make lifestyle modifications to prevent the disease from progressing.
1. Eat a low fat, low sodium, fiber rich diet.
2. Maintain a healthy lifestyle by stop smoking
3. Regular exercise at least every day of the week, such as walking
4. If overweight, try losing a few pounds can make a significant difference
5. Get routine blood pressure screenings
6. If diabetic, controlling blood sugar reduces cardiac risk (Wikipedia, 2008).
CAD is becoming a growing problem in America. Making lifestyle changes can drastically reduce our risk.
References
American Heart Association. 2008.
retrieved Feb. 8 2008
Coronary Artery Disease. Wikipedia the Free Encyclopedia. Feb. 7 2008
retrieved Feb. 8 2008
Mauk, K. L. (2006). Gerontology Nursing: Competencies for care. Sudbury, Massachusetts: Jones and Bartlett
Notes: This blog post reflects the work of Carla Hurt RN (pictured above) with minor editing by Shirley Comer RN and was completed as a class assignment. The information in this blog is for informational purposes only. Before beginning or changing a treatment or lifestyle regime you should consult your primary health care provider.
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