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Running Head: Cardiovascular Diseases Cardiovascular Diseases (Authors Name) (Institution Name) CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES Introduction Cardiovascular disease consists of several separate diseases of the heart and the circulatory system in the body, and it is in the general diagnostic category. One of the major health problems in the United States that can lead to death is from cardiovascular diseases and the most important components of this disease are the coronary heart disease and the cerebrovascular disease. The break-up of cardiovascular diseases fatality rate are at 75 percent for coronary heart disease and 25 percent for cerebrovascular disease. (Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion 02 / 09 / 2007 web) Although impressive and increasingly sustainable declines in the mortality rates of cardiovascular diseases have been achieved, the magnitude of the problem is still high. Therefore the risk factors have to be reduced through proper medication and regular checkups. However, when we analyze the advances and progress in the field of medical science and research, we find that the risk factors for cardiovascular patients in comparison to the 1963, has declined by approximately 56 %. This has positively impacted the rate of fatalities and greatly increased life expectancy figures in the United States.
An interesting statistic from which people who suffer from cardiovascular diseases can take heart from is that the first three leading causes of deaths are not related to cardiovascular diseases, but are: (1) pneumonia and influenzae; (2) tuberculosis and (3) diarrhea, enteritis and ulceration of the intestines. Diseases of the heart and intracranial lesions of the vascular origin follow next. (WILLIAM T. F. , 2002) Risk Factor Several risk factors have been identified for cardiovascular disease through various studies around the world and these can be categorized into two broad groups where in the first group the factors that can not be modified are such as the hereditary passing of premature heart disease within family members. In the second group heard diseases can be potentially modified through the control of cigarette smoking, high-blood pressure, high blood-cholesterol levels and physical activities. (WILLIAM T. F. , 2002) The following are the modifiable factors, where people who suffer from cardiovascular diseases can take corrective measures. Diabetes and Obesity: These factors are easily identifiable and can be controlled through proper medical assistance and through the personal attention people give to themselves.
Cigarette Smoking: Smoking is an established risk factor for lung cancer, emphysema, bronchitis and also coronary, cerebral, and peripheral vascular diseases. Additionally, the risks with heavy and prolonged smoking habits but very importantly to people who suffer from these diseases, is also the fact that the risks associated with smoking fall rapidly when its habit is given up. Approximately 40 % of coronary heart disease risk factor is reduced within five years of giving up smoking while comparatively, for non-smokers it would take several more years to achieve similar results. High Blood Pressure: High blood pressure is a major risk factor for cerebrovascular disease and coronary heart disease. Results of epidemiologic studies have proved that the relationship between blood pressure and cardiovascular risk is negative as high blood pressure results in higher disease rates. Thus, if the blood pressure level is controlled at smooth and constant low levels within reasonable physiological limits, the risks of cardiovascular diseases are considerably lowered.
Research study results have clearly established that the problem of high blood pressure has to be aggressively be controlled through treatment. Blood Cholesterol Levels: There is an established relationship between blood cholesterol levels and coronary heart disease due to the cholesterol in the plasma being transported by lipoproteins. When the cholesterol levels associated with low-density lipoproteins (LDL) fraction is positively correlated the risk levels are much lower but when cholesterol levels associated with high-density lipoprotein (HDL) is negatively correlated, this increases the risk factors associated with cardiovascular diseases. The evidence that HDL also greatly increases the risk factors associated with cardiovascular diseases requires powerful, educative and personal roles for the lowering of the risks that are associated with it. Physical Inactivity: A less active lifestyle has also been associated with increased risks of coronary heart diseases in multiple longitudinal and cross-section studies in various diverse groups. In the past this risk was considered less important, however recent scientific studies have led this risk factor to be considered as serious for coronary heart disease as the previously mentioned three factors.
As a consequence a more active lifestyle is recommended not only from the health point of view but also so as to prevent diseases. Obesity: Epidemiologic data has also proved obesity as an equally important risk factor that causes coronary heart disease. Analyses suggest that the obesity factor indirectly affects blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Recent finding also confirm that obesity is a primary risk factor which acts independently to cause symptoms that contribute to cardiovascular heart diseases. Weight reduction therefore lowers the risk factors by helping in lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Diabetes: Diabetic individuals are at much higher risk of cardiovascular disease and require careful attention not only to the control of blood-glucose levels but also to other coexisting risk factors that additionally elevate the risk levels.
Diabetes therefore acts as a powerful and independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease and is one of the major causes of death. Other Risk Factors: Other risk factors such as homocysteine and Lpa have been identified as possible causes for cardiovascular diseases, however, confirmed research findings have yet to prove and establish how exactly they contribute in enhancing cardiovascular diseases. (WILLIAM T. FRIEDEWALD, 2002) Likely Effects of Cardiovascular Diseases Behavior Changes: Detailed research studies confirm that people associated with cardiovascular diseases are more prone to be hostile in nature and the inhibited expressions of such angry feelings are a consequence of a toxic component that can predicted from coronary heart disease patients. (Manual S. B. , Kaplan J.
R. & Matthews K. A. ) Physiological Factors: In medical terms the physiological changes occur due to the presumed reduced fibrinolytic capacity involved in the development and / or progression of atherosclerotic plaque, however, its patho genetic role has not been fully proven. (Roger L. H. , PhD; Desire C. , MD, PhD. 1996) Psychosocial Changes: Studies clearly prove that it is common for cardiovascular patients to suffer depression and anxiety bouts and to undergo changes in their character and personalities. Such patients also prefer to be socially isolated and remain chronically stressed out. (Alan R. , MD, James A. B. , PhD & Jay K. , PhD, 1999) Goals for Treatment: In consultation with professionals with specialized expertise in the field of cardiovascular treatment, patients suffering from such diseases should learn how to reduce their blood pressure and cope with their ailments.
The treatment of heart disease depends upon the diagnostic analysis made and these can be inclusive of acute myocardial infarction, angina etc. and eventual heart failure. Diabetic and blood pressure patients should monitor their health conditions regularly and have to ensure that necessary corrective measures are taken to keep the likely negative effects of these ailments in control. (Medical Encyclopedia, web) Methods/Interventions for Treatment The dosage for treatment should be at their maximum tolerable levels predetermined through trial phases. Alternatively the dosage quantities may appropriately be adjusted in response to resultant effects of medications; such as cholesterol, haemoglobin, toxicity, blood pressure and other relevant levels that are necessary to ensure that people suffering from these diseases stay healthy. Dosage, formulation, route of administration, frequency of dosage, duration of therapy and other criteria should be administered in a disciplined manner. Interventions that do not use conventional drugs, such as in surgical procedures and therapies, may vary in the way they are administered just as in multi-modality treatments may require specific procedures. (Jackie K.
B. , Val J. G. & Anthony C. K. , 2002) Patient Education Purpose: The purpose of this manual is to self-educate the reader as to how the body regulates itself, with specificity to cardiovascular diseases so that with a logical approach the best remedial measures may be taken. Descriptions therefore, have painstakingly been prepared to enable even a non-medical person to easily understand its contents. Anatomy of Heart: The heart gets it nourishment from the oxygenated blood and in reality it is a muscular pumping organ that distributes oxygenated blood through a network of arteries and collects deoxygenate d blood through the veins in an unending recycling process. The heart is the size of a fist and is located protectively by the sternum and ribs on the left side of the chest cavity.
A membrane sac called the pericardium is filled with pericardial fluid that allows the free movement of the heart. Blood is pumped through one-way valves that control the flow through the right side of the heart into the lungs and return to back through the left side of the heart. The heart is divided into two upper chambers that are smaller and called atria's while the bottom two larger chambers are known as ventricles. The septum divides the left and right sides of the heart and de-oxygenated blood flows into the right atrium. The tricuspid valve controls the...
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Research essay sample on Coronary Heart Disease High Blood Pressure
