Abstract This paper reviews the use of internal defibrillators in cardiology patients. Cardiac patients form a diverse population, many of whom are at high risk for cardiac arrest. This paper reports that numerous clinical trials demonstrate the efficacy of internal defibrillators over all other therapies and drugs to prevent cardiac arrest. Internal defibrillators represent preventive measures which promote health and longevity in patients. The paper carries on to discuss how the cardiology unit itself is the environment that is most conducive to cardiac arrest and therefore in need of internal defibrillators.
A look at diagnostic instruments and techniques for detecting heart pathologies including electrocardiography, stress tests, echocardiography, nuclear cardiology, scanning and probes.
6,300 words (approx. 25.2 pages), 31 sources, 1993, $ 135.95
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 This paper examines research on the involvement of the heart and its processes in relation to sleep apnea. The reviewed material begins with a definition of sleep apnea and discusses the stages and prevalence of the disease along with cardiac complications associated with the different types of the disease. This is followed by a discussion of respiratory and hemodynamic changes associated with sleep apnea. The final section discusses methods and treatments for sleep apnea and the effects of these on cardiac effects.
From the Paper "Sleep apnea can be classified as obstructive, central, or mixed, depending on the presence or absence of respiratory muscle effort (Imran & Khawaja, 1998). According to Imran and Khawaja (1998), with each type of apnea, airflow at the nose or the mouth is absent for at least 10 seconds. The authors also note that in obstructive apnea, ribcage and abdominal movements are still present while in central apnea, both types of movement are absent. In mixed apneas, both central and obstructive patterns occur during the same apneic event. The magnitude of any associated decrease in oxygen saturation depends on the degree and duration of apnea (Imran & Khawaja, 19980)."
Abstract This paper discusses the heart disease called infective endocarditis (IE). The paper presents the statistics available regarding the amount of deaths caused by heart diseases and claims that infective endocarditis can be held accountable for many of these deaths. The paper reviews an article, "Infective Endocarditis" written by Philippe Moreillon and published in "The Lancet". The paper contends that the purpose of the article is is to help physicians and medical personnel properly identify the new at-risk groups of endocarditis, to teach a method of diagnosing the disease and to provide them with an overall understanding of IE and the new developments in antimicrobial agents.
From the Paper "The National Center for Health Statistics, a department of the Center for Disease Control, publishes an annual report on the causes of deaths in the United States. In every study since the start of the program, it was found that diseases of the heart have been the leading cause of death. In the last survey published, the 2001 issue, 245.8 of every 100,000 people, 700,142 total deaths, were caused by heart diseases (3). Infective Endocarditis can be held accountable for many of these deaths. By compiling patient data from 1993-2003, the author of "Infective Endocarditis", Philippe Moreillon, found that the median range of incidence for infective endocarditis was 3.6 per 100,000 people (range .3 - 22.4) with a median mortality rate of 16% (range 11-26). Despite advances in antimicrobial therapy and the diagnosis and treatment of complications, bacterial endocarditis continues to be responsible for substantial morbidity and mortality. Moreillon states that "this apparent paradox results from a progressive change in risk factors for infective endocarditis.""
Abstract This paper studies descriptive epidemiology as it relates to the natural history of cardiovascular disease. It begins with an overview of descriptive epidemiology and its application to the heart followed by the presentation of a number of findings from the Bogalusa Heart Study of 1972 through 1997. The paper concludes with a look at new studies and techniques, which are based on the Bogalusa model. Included is the beta-cath system for radiating an artery wall.
Outline
Introduction
Problem Background
Findings
Conclusions and Summary
From the Paper "At its simplest level, Epidemiology can be to have the description of the application of statistical methodologies to analyze the determinants of health and illness of a given population or sub-group within the population. This sort of analysis therefore has an application to the planning and evaluation of interventions and to the causation and prevention of illness. Moreover, as with most sciences Epidemiology presents itself in various formats and although the central role of Epidemiology within a department is to provide valid, reliable and appropriately interpreted data upon which decisions can be based, Epidemiology is usually divided, in a somewhat arbitrary manner along several lines. Our concern here however is with Descriptive Epidemiology as it relates to the epidemiology and natural history of Cardiovascular Disease."
Abstract This paper discusses the pathophysiology, definitions, causes and complications of a number of pathological conditions of the circulatory and other systems. The paper covers: heart disease (MI, heart failure, valve disorders), vascular diseases (CAD, aneurysms), blood diseases (sickle cell, anemias, myelomas), infectious diseases (mononucleosis), heart attacks, shock, childhood heart defects.
From the Paper "Multiple myeloma is a cancer of plasma cells in which a clone of abnormal plasma cells forms tumors in the bone marrow. They also produce an abnormal amount of antibodies, which are found in..."
Abstract This essay closely studies the medical condition known as ventricular fibrillation. First, the condition is introduced and briefly summarized. Then some of the symptoms, diagnoses methods used, and treatments one suffering from the condition would receive are discussed. Next, the biological basis of ventricular fibrillation is defined. Finally, the transmission and cause is studied.
From the Paper "Scattered in airports, shopping malls, and other public places across the country, one can find automatic, public-accessible cardiac defibrillators. Having most likely seen these contraptions on television, with actors acting as doctors or nurses dramatically shocking actor-patients back to life, the public probably does not know what medical condition defibrillators treat. This paper will take a look at that condition: ventricular de-fibrillation. This condition is not usually listed as a cause of death, but rather lumped into other types of sudden cardiac death or heart attacks. Yet, it is estimated that ventricular fibrillation is the cause of at least 400,000 deaths in the U.S. each year. Discussing its causes and symptoms, as well as the treatment that is used and what the condition actually does biologically inside ones body, this paper will be an overview of ventricular fibrillation."
Abstract This paper discusses the procedure of percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA). It discusses the rationale of the procedure as well as the fundamentals of the procedure itself. The paper also touches on the evolution of the catheter used in interventional cardiology as well as their specific applications. It finally discusses the pros and cons of the procedure.
From the Paper "Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) have become a mainstay in modern medicine and revolutionized the medical management of a variety of coronary pathologies from life-threatening acute myocardial infarctions, unstable angina to valvular heart disease. PCI have one distinct advantage over pharmacological therapy (i.e. thrombolysis or "clot-busters"), now considered to be conservative (albeit first-line) therapy for myocardial infarctions: time-saving. The importance of this lies in the fact that the arteries supplying the heart are "functional end arteries" - they not only conduct oxygen and nutrients directly to the surrounding myocardium through diffusion, but are also the only arteries supplying a certain region. With its very high oxygen and nutrient consumption, any obstruction in any of the arteries by as much as half would significantly hamper overall pumping of the heart."
Abstract This paper presents a discussion about general medical issues. The paper discusses some general cardiac problems, gastrointestinal (GI) issues and issues relating to the use of anticoagulants. The paper addresses a basic background of each area of medical study and then gives a few examples, in each area, of the typical medical problems that may be encountered.
Table of Contents:
Cardiac
Anticoagulants
GI Problems
From the Paper "When receiving anticoagulants, there are four areas of education that should be addressed with the patient and the patient's family.
Anticoagulants are powerful medications that can have life saving results, however, they also have several important issues that should be addressed with the patient and their family. The first area of education that the family needs to be aware of is the instruction to tell all medical doctors, dentists and pharmacists that they are on that medication. The medication has other medications that it cannot be mixed with. In addition before surgery or dental work is performed precautions must be taken so that the patient does not hemorrhage.
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."
Abstract This paper examines the current debate among cardiologists and cardiac surgeons regarding the use of coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) versus drug-eluting stents (DES). The author concludes that the research indicates that, even though cardiac surgeons have conducted many studies that appear to show the benefits of percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) with accompanying DES, there are still very serious considerations to using these interventions in certain groups of patients, especially those with multivessel coronary artery disease. This paper recommends future research with multicenter trials comparing use of PCI with DES as compared to CABG in terms of both short-term and long-term benefits, mortality rates, revascularization rates and other benefits or complicating factors in order to establish or disavow the superiority of PCI with DES. Thirteen figures are included with the paper.
Table of Contents:
Abstract
Statement of Problem
Key Terms and Definitions
Background of Study
Unprotected Left Main Stenosis
Multivessel Coronary Artery Disease
Summary
Conclusion
Recommendations for Future Research
From the Paper "According to Gunn and Crossman other energy sources are also useful. Sonotherapy, or unltrasound may potential more as a treatment than as a facilitator 'for gene delivery and is 'benign' in its effect on healthy tissue." Photodynamic therapy, or the interacting of photosensitizing drugs, light and tissue oxygen, is under investigation and still only in very early development. Laser energy delivered "via a fine intracoronary wire, is used in a few centers to recanalize block arteries." Gunn and Crossman state that the role of percutaneous clinical "has extended to the point where up to 70% of patients treated have acute coronary syndromes.""
Tags: clinical percutaneous revascularization survival, comorbid conditions, and
Abstract The paper discusses the subject of heart disease in young adults, with information for young adults to assist them with their understanding of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The paper comments that many young adults consider heart disease as an old person's disease. The paper also notes that young adults may become more aware that individuals of all ages, even their age, can have CVD. The paper provides the strategies presented to combat heart disease. Charts, tables, and a flow chart are included with the paper.
Outline:
More than Knowing Something
Research Considerations
Current and Projected Concerns
Strategies to Address Concerns
The Causes and Cures Contributed to Heart Disease
Programs Can...
New Considerations
Coffee... Tea... Vitamin C Claims
Steps to Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease
Congenital and Chronic Disease Concerns
Hope for Children with Congenital Heart Disease
Most Likely - Yet Less Likely
Tomorrow's Time Bomb Question?
Can Heart Disease be Prevented?
Do The Right Thing
Unlearning Risk Factors
From the Paper "What is currently known about heart disease, as the World Health Organization (WHO) reports, because young adults are "increasingly adopting unhealthy lifestyles," (Reinhardt), resulting increasing consequences of those lifestyle choices also increase. Currently, cardiovascular disease (CVD) ranks as the leading cause of death globally, reportedly contributing to one third of all deaths each year. "The Atlas of Heart Disease and Stroke, published by the World Health Organization (WHO) in conjunction with the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), was launched on 26 September 2004 to coincide with the fifth annual World Heart Day, a major driving force for encouraging heart disease and stroke prevention worldwide."
