From the Paper
"Diagnostic Instruments and Machines Used for the Detection of
Cardiac Pathologies and Abnormalities


The use of exciting, new, and increasingly sophisticated techniques for diagnosis of heart disorders has burgeoned in recent years. The United States ranks among the world leaders, with remarkable availability of these procedures for patients (30:273). The tests are used not only to diagnose, but also to pinpoint exact locality, extent, and severity of the abnormality, as well as to check the efficacy of treatment and the progress of the disease.


The danger of this mushrooming technology is the possible overuse of tests. It is emphasized that in most cases one or at most two tests are required to gain enough information (31:116). The cornerstones in cardiology are still the taking of a..."

Abstract
Amersham Health has developed a product for the next technological advance in cardiac diagnostic testing, MYOVIEW with Rapid Clearance, for myocardial perfusion imaging. This paper explains how the product works and examines how MYOVIEW will help the medical industry and cardiac patients.

From the Paper
"Myocardial perfusion imaging is the answer to the challenges felt by many physicians when patients may have a suspected myocardial infarction. Oftentimes a physician may feel that a patient is not having an MI, however, as a precautionary measure, will have the patient admitted for observation. If it turns out that they were not having an MI, the patient has now spent unneeded time at the hospital, taking up valuable bed space and staff time, at often over crowded hospitals, that could have been better used by patients who truly needed it. In fact, Udelson states that "missed MI is one of the most common causes of litigation against ED personnel, and this test may also facilitate an earlier diagnosis in such patients(Glow; Udelson, 2003).""

Tags:Radiopharmaceuticals, myocardium, TRC

Abstract
This paper examines the importance of cardiac surgery and the strides it has made in recent history. It specifically examines three articles "Changes in Mitral Regurgitation After Replacement of the Stenotic Aortic Valve" by E.C. Waisbren et al, "Impact of Cardiac Intraoperative Precursor Events on Adverse Outcomes" by D.R. Wong et al and "Surgical Management of Infective Endocarditis: Early Predictors of Short-Term Morbidity and Mortality" by D.S. Jassal et al.

From the Paper
"Cardiac surgery is an essential treatment for many that is often thought of as a last resort to treat heart diseases and acute cardiac medical events. Non-surgical interventions are the preferred methods of treatment in most cases and yet cardiac surgery is an essential and necessary specialized branch of medicine that has made significant scientific strides toward efficacy and care. Cardiac surgery is in fact more highly specialized and more effective than many other surgical specialties as it has been given monumental emphasis, as heart disease is the most common cause of death among most adult populations. In the United States significant research emphasis has been placed on cardiac surgery and non-surgical cardiac treatment and for this reason there are many more alternatives for those suffering from acute cardiac event and chronic heart disease than ever before. In short there is no better time in human history to have heart disease and acute cardiac events and live to tell about it. The strong emphasis on cardiac health has created a system which supports thousands of highly qualified and well trained physicians and surgeons who are highly versed in the most up to date specialized treatments for all the varied cardiac events and conditions."

Tags:mitral valve, ECG morbidity mortality

Abstract
This paper describes the best outcomes for post-operative cardiac patients, with an emphasis on the best qualities of an effective cardiac rehabilitation program. The paper further describes why these programs were relevant to nursing, what sorts of rehabilitative exercises were optimal and in what order they should appear. The paper concludes with a step by step plan that promises to maximize the quality of life of life for post-op individuals.

From the Paper
" In a paper previously completed by this writer, an effort was undertaken to explain what an effective cardiac rehabilitation program might look like. Time was set aside to looking at why such programs were important, why these programs were relevant to the writer's own future as a nurse, what sorts of rehabilitative exercises were optimal and in what order they should appear, and the paper concluded (in part two) by looking at a step by step plan that promised to maximize the quality of life of life for post-op individuals. Therefore, the ensuing several pages will build upon..."

Tags:quality, life, patients

Abstract
This paper explains that the new technology heart pumps, such as Left Ventricular Assist Devices (LVAD), assist the heart permanently instead of temporarily as the traditional pumps were used. The paper describes the use of animal parts for transplants especially the pig heart, which closely resembles the human heart, and the problems of organ rejection. The author believes that successful cardiac technological developments will lead to further developments for other parts of the body.

From the Paper
"Traditional pumps were meant to be temporary solutions to most heart problems. These small pumps were implanted into the chest cavity of patients with the sole function of assisting the heart's own pumps. They helped to keep the rhythm of the heart's beat, regulating the pumping of blood throughout the body, and helping the heart in times of need. Traditional heart pumps were expected to help the heart recover to the points at which they could be removed and the heart would operate properly on its own. Their other function was to help keep the patient alive until they eventually moved up the waiting list for donor hearts and got a heart transplant. "

Tags:devices, lvad, permanent, traditional, pumps, animal, parts, organ, rejection

Abstract
The paper reviews the relevant literature regarding cardiac hormones and atrial natruiretic peptide (ANP) in particular, as well as literature regarding its association with heart failure. The paper concludes that not only do cardiac markers hold great promise as sub-clinical indicators of heart failure, they also boast interventional and prognostic value with further research.

Outline:
Biochemical Composition and Mechanism of Action
Clinical Uses
Conclusion

From the Paper
"The cardiovascular system is complex not only in its amazing capacity to adapt to a broad range of hemodynamic challenges and insults but also in its multiple physiologic roles. From a rest state, everyday physical exertion to the vigorous demands of exercise, the cardiovascular system is able to adjust to perfuse all organ systems adequately and without fail within seconds of the stimulus. It is also able to adjust to long-term stressors in order to maintain nominal perfusion to all organ systems. While its primary physiologic role of the heart as a circulating pump is its most prominent feature, its interesting role as an endocrine organ is becoming more significant, especially in the light of such common pathological states as heart failure."

Tags:cardiology, hormones, diagnostics, indicators, arteries, veins, plasma

Abstract
This paper presents the case study of a hospitalized 85 year old female who experienced a fall and presented at the hospital 12 days later with a laundry list of diagnostic issues. The patient complained of confusion, and instability (even though she walks with assistance). As reported by this paper, it was felt that her medication contributed to the neurological and cardiac issues she was having, although she had them before and the medication she was prescribed was contraindicated. Nursing considerations are provided.

From the Paper
"This paper contains the case study and presentation of Mrs. L. who was admitted to the hospital after a fall. This presentation is divided into the following sections: * A brief presentation of the patient's demographics * A presentation of the patient's medical diagnosis and pathophysiology, including significant findings from the literature * A brief summary of Mrs. L's hospital stay * A detailed presentation on the relevant nursing diagnoses and considerations"

Tags:elderly, malnutrition, fall

Abstract
Describes the test, how it works and what is can detect. Examines studies conducted on fetal echocardiography in determining any abnormalities. Describes this as an important diagnostic tool for predicting cardiac and chromosomal abnormalities.

From the Paper
"Echocardiography uses sound waves to examine the size, shape, and motion of various structures within the heart, and is used to diagnose abnormalities of the heart valves and to assess cardiac function. It is a noninvasive test in which a microphone-like..."

Abstract
The paper relates that while hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a relatively rare form of cardiac malformation, it is important since its victims are mostly young athletes who are normally viewed as the epitome of the fitness and health. The paper provides a brief overview of the condition, diagnosis and possible treatment methods. The paper shows how the predominantly asymptomatic nature of the condition, the difficulties in the diagnostic process and the sudden and lethal nature of the disorder have made it harder to identify at risk people and to avert potential catastrophe on the sporting field.

Outline:
Introduction
HCM Demographics and Diagnosis
Treatment
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a heart condition characterized by excessive thickening of the heart muscles. Left ventricular thickening is usually the most common defining feature of the disease though in some patients right ventricular thickening is also noticed. While heart muscle thickening is also observed in patients with a history of high blood pressure and among those with prolonged athletic training, in HCM the thickening is idiopathic. HCM occurs roughly in around 1 in 500 (600,000 to 1.5 million) people in the US and is the single most common cause for sudden death in young athletes. [Cleveland Clinic] Statistics show that roughly around 35% of sudden deaths among athletes are ascribed to HCM. Statistics also reveal that sudden deaths among joggers, marathon racers, and other forms of athletic sports, stands between 1 in 15,000 or 1 in 50,000. [Maron]"

Tags:ventricular, thickening, muscle, athletes, exercise

Abstract
This paper relates that choosing a career is an important decision because it will determine one's success in his or her endeavor. The author investigates careers in order of her preference: (1) ultrasound sonographer, (2) echocardiographer, (3) Ct technologist, (4) dietician and (5) nurse. The paper concludes that being an ultrasound tech is truly the author's passion because she feels it is less stressful and that she would enjoy being able to diagnose diseases.

From the Paper
"A CT technologist is a specialized radiology technologist who specifically deals with performing CAT scans. The images produced are non-invasive and specific to the technology, and often use contrast agents to form pictures of the internal organs. Educational programs are between 2 to 4 years in length and stress basic medical knowledge as well as knowledge of equipment. Candidates must also successfully complete the exam provided by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT), the main organization for CT technologists."

Tags:options non-invasive, cardiac diagnostics, shortages association