Cardiovascular disease among the Black people
Introduction
Several economic, health, and social impact that is associated with cardiovascular disease and patients face numerous burden due to the burden of cardiovascular complications such as heart failure, renal failure, and diabetes. The complexity of cardiovascular disease results in detrimental general outcomes for the patient as they strive to meet their health needs. Complications related to cardiovascular disease include renal failure, stroke, ischemia, and infarction of body tissues due to the limited supply of oxygen (Barber et al., 2016). Patients who present with hypertension are at a higher risk of developing other cardiovascular diseases such as heart failure, myocardial infarction, and coronary artery disease. I will focus on the population of Black Americans with hypertension with the incorporation of unique characteristics of wellness preservation and health promotion. I aim to help provide this population with information in the future to help them maintain normal health throughout their health-illness continuum.
Defining a population
Many defining attributes of patients who are at risk of developing cardiovascular disease and one of the main risk factor has hypertension. Obesity and overweight, especially among children and young people, increase the lifetime risk of developing hypertension. Black Americans, the Indians, and Hispanics are at higher risk of developing hypertension and cardiovascular disease (Booth et al., 2016). Age increases the risk of developing hypertension and another cardiovascular disease because of reduced chances of physical activity and access to healthy foods. The increase in the level of serum triglyceride and cholesterol levels also increases the risk of developing hypertension among Black Americans. The development of hypertension and cardiovascular disease increases the development of other long-term disorders such as chronic kidney failure, diabetes, and heart failure.
PICO and Assessment
What is the probability of developing cardiovascular complications (O) for patients with hypertension (P) who receive care and education (I) as opposed to those who do not receive care and education (C) within six months of care and education? Several factors place a patient with hypertension in developing cardiovascular disease and other complications. The identification of the cause and the risk factors is essential in the prevention of cardiovascular complications and treatment. Heart failure, myocardial infarction, coronary artery disorder, renal failure, and stroke are essential to consider while conducting patient examination for hypertension (Booth et al., 2016). The most vital assessment techniques are to assess offloading, check peripheral perfusion, cyanosis, chest pain, tachycardia, blood pressure, and medication adherence to help in controlling the hypertension symptoms and prevent further complications. Monitoring the patients with hypertension entails checking their blood pressure, assessing for chest pain, tachycardia, thrombosis, varicose veins, and problems of the respiratory system for symptoms associated with cardiovascular problems.
Holistic care
A holistic plan of care seeks to meet all the needs of the patient besides the physical needs. It involves the integration of the patient’s body, mind, and spirit. Patients with cardiovascular diseases are encouraged to develop and maintain a positive attitude while managing the symptoms. If not well-managed, patients with cardiovascular diseases may develop heart attack, heart failure, or stroke for which they need a positive attitude so that their conditions do not cause such complications (Barber et al., 2016). Patients should be shown the progress they are making towards recovery so that they can be encouraged. Music and aromatherapy also help in calming their hearts and reduces stress.
Telehealth that employs sounds and video feeds can be integrated into the plan of care as a strategy for a holistic approach. Patients should be encouraged to take part in relaxation techniques that help them focus and reduce stress. It is critical to have a Telehealth counselor who aids patients in managing their mental stress and cope with life challenges so that their conditions do not progress to complications. Patients should be trained to use apps such as MYFitnessPal for exercise, Instant Heart Rate, PulsePoint Respond, Blood Pressure Monitor, and Smart Blood Pressure for monitoring their heart rate and blood pressure and raise the alarm early enough when it is irregular.
Telehealth resolves geographical inequalities because it provides care to patients who may not have the chance to visit the healthcare facility. Research shows that Telehealth is very effective in the management of cardiovascular diseases. For instance, a DIAL study found out that a one-year follow-up over the phone reduces heart failure hospital admissions by about 29% because patients are empowered to self-monitor their symptoms (Barber et al., 2016). Other Telehome studies on other chronic conditions have posted positive results. Patients are more satisfied with greater access, less travel, and improved care that comes through Telehealth systems.
Conclusion
Cardiovascular disease affects a higher percentage of Black Americans. It is, therefore, essential to develop preventive and health promotion programs that will help in preventing the occurrence of cardiovascular complications. Proper education with the use of a holistic approach increases the chances of patients being part of their own care. Using Telehealth apps that are easily accessible over the phone makes it easier to preventing and controlling cardiovascular complications related to hypertension. With appropriate evaluation and help from health care providers, patient care, proper education, and better health outcome can be achieved.
References
Barber, S., Hickson, D. A., Wang, X., Sims, M., Nelson, C., & Diez-Roux, A. V. (2016). Neighborhood disadvantage, poor social conditions, and cardiovascular disease incidence among African American adults in the Jackson Heart Study. American journal of public health, 106(12), 2219-2226.
Booth III, J. N., Diaz, K. M., Seals, S. R., Sims, M., Ravenell, J., Muntner, P., & Shimbo, D. (2016). Masked hypertension and cardiovascular disease events in a prospective cohort of blacks: the Jackson Heart Study. Hypertension, 68(2), 501-510.