Heart Disease and Stroke
Name
Institution
Heart Disease and Stroke
Cardiovascular disease, including heart disease and stroke, is the leading cause of death in the United States. Approximately 800,000 people die from heart disease, stroke, or other vascular diseases each year (Center, 2019). In Arizona, about 4,195 per 1000,000 population live with heart disease, while 2,457 per 100,000 population suffer from other vascular diseases that contribute to stroke (Olmstead & Seller, 2005). Nurses have a significant role in the prevention and management of cardiovascular diseases. Nurses can achieve preventive care for heart disease and stroke through immediate assessment at triage, ongoing monitoring and management, as well as education to patient and the family.
Immediate Assessment and Triage
Nurses can assist in the prevention of heart disease and stroke through assessment during triage. Riley (2015) notes that most patients seek healthcare when they feel unwell, or their self-care resources fail. Nurses should undertake a thorough initial patient triage to measure things such as heart rhythm, body temperature, criminal assessment for signs of congestion, and blood tests, among others (Riley, 2015). Also, nurses can incorporate team-based care at this point to ensure patient welfare (Center, 2019). For example, interprofessional collaboration with a psychiatrist can evaluate anxiety levels and mental status, which can contribute to heart disease and stroke. Nurses thorough examination and collaboration with other professionals at the initial assessments ensure any signs of heart disease can easily be diagnosed.
Ongoing Monitoring and Management
Nurses can also promote preventive efforts for heart disease and stroke through ongoing monitoring and management. Riley (2015) asserts that after a diagnosis, continuous monitoring and management remains critical. Many patients suffer complications from their symptoms and so regular monitoring through frequent visits to the doctor should be prioritized. Electronic health records (EHRs) can help nurses track patients that need ongoing support and monitoring (Center, 2019). EHRs act as a tool for nurses to understand the overall patient health, identify risk factors around the patient, understand patient history, and take measures to improve their health outcomes (Riley, 2015). For example, nurses can identify older patients who are at higher risk of heart disease and stroke to enable follow-up on their treatment modalities and support system.
Education for Patients and Family
Nurses can assist in the prevention and management of heart disease and stroke through education to patients and their families. Anderson et al. (2017) argue that patient education not only promotes health outcomes but also improves patient quality of life. For example, nurses can educate patients and families on effective lifestyle changes that can reduce the risk of a heart attack such as proper diet and exercise. Patients and families also learn self-management techniques to encourage active participation in managing one’s condition (Anderson et al., 2017). Other educational support focuses on strategies on smoking cessation, proper administration of medication, and how to reach out for help when needed.
Conclusion
Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in the U.S. Nurses have a role to play in the prevention of heart disease and stroke. During the patient assessment, nurses can ensure thorough checkup and early diagnosis. Nurses can also assist in monitoring and following up on patient welfare after diagnosis. Patient education, including the family, would also promote healthy behaviors and practices to reduce the risk of death through heart disease and stroke.
References
Anderson, L., Brown, J. P., Clark, A. M., Dalal, H., Rossau, H. K. K., Bridges, C., & Taylor, R. S. (2017). Patient education in the management of coronary heart disease. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (6). Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6481392/
Center for Disease Control (2019). Public Health Professionals Gateway: Prevention Status Reports. Retrieved from https://wwwn.cdc.gov/psr/
Olmstead, N., & Seller, A. (2005). Arizona cardiovascular disease state plan. Retrieved from https://azdhs.gov/documents/prevention/tobacco-chronic-disease/az-heart-disease-stroke/az-cardiovascular-state-plan.pdf
Riley, J. (2015). The key roles for the nurse in acute heart failure management. Cardiac failure review, 1(2), 123. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5490951/