Abstract This paper examines the race-associated differences in health outcomes among African-American women with CVD (CardiovascularDisease). The paper explains that African Americans suffer greater incidence of cardiovasculardisease, and women women suffer cardiovascular and peripheral vascular disease in greater numbers than men. The combination of the two: African-American women, suffer greater cardiovasculardisease than the general population in the United States. The paper demonstrates that the above statements are true, and analyzes the causes for this discrepancy in cardiovascular diagnosis and care. The paper then looks at both the demographic as well as the socioeconomic and ethnological reasons for the difference in cardiovascular care. The paper also points out that women experience a greater amount of heart disease, and a lower level of treatment than men. This paper examines the reasons for that discrepancy as well.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Underlying Causes of Heart Disease African-American Women and Heart Disease Lifestyle, Heredity and Demographics
Differences in Medical Care
Differences in Demographics
Women's Lower Rate of CHD Treatment
African American Distrust of Physicians and the Medical System
Conclusion
Bibliography
From the Paper "Although death from coronary heart disease (CHD) is declining for both African Americans and white Americans, the rates are declining faster for white Americans than their Black counterparts. According to the AHA, the incidence of deaths by whites from CHD has declined 46% and 40% for white men and women, respectively, while it has declined 33% and 27% for African American men and women respectively from 1979 to 2002 (AORN, 2002). The AHA posited that the lower decline in the death rate from CHD for African Americans was due primarily to heredity and life style habits."
Abstract Cardiovasculardisease is one of the leading causes of mortality in the industrialized world. At the same time, high blood cholesterol is known to be a risk factor for heart disease. Decreasing total blood cholesterol can have a profound effect, reducing the incidence of coronary heart disease by close to 30%. Further, there is a wide variety of research that links blood cholesterol levels to heart disease and mortality. This paper presents a design for a study that aims to add to this body of evidence by investigating the impact of decreased cholesterol consumption on mortality from cardiovasculardisease.
From the Paper "In each facility, 1,000 research subjects will be recruited using voluntary recruitment procedures. Advertisements for volunteers will be placed in local newspapers, community message boards, and clinic and emergency waiting rooms. Subjects will range in age upwards from 21 years of age. Subjects will not be excluded from the study on any medical or other grounds. This wide range of subjects and large sample size will allow researchers to correlate cholesterol intake with a number of other factors, including age, sex, race, place of residence, and other medical conditions."
Abstract This paper explains that research has demonstrated that the psychosocial status of the individual is likely to correlate to their cardiovascular fitness. The author points out that positive social roles correlate to a positive status, while negative social roles lead to a lower level of status. The paper uses the Kolcaba Comfort Care Model to identify and promote positive psychosocial development in patients.
From the Paper "A growing body of data suggests that the emergence and severity of cardiovascular disease is contributed to by the psychosocial status of the body (Barry, 1996). The psychosocial status of the body refers to the correlation of social and psychological factors, and the impact that these factors have - both combined and separately - on the individual's physical status (Barry, 1996; Catherall, 2004). Data suggests that the psychosocial status of the individual has active correlates to the onset and development of heart disease, particularly cardiovascular failure (Drench, 2002; Catherall, 2004). "
Abstract This paper explains that cardiovasculardiseases can be prevented by eating healthfully, participating regularly in aerobic activity, and by not smoking. The paper describes a diet that is heart healthy and stresses the importance of physical aerobic activity and the avoidance of cigarettes.
From the Paper "Nearly twenty percent of the American population has a form of Cardiovascular Disease. In 2002, thirty-five percent of the deaths in the United States were related to heart and blood vessel diseases according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC). Cardiovascular Disease includes Coronary Heart Disease, atherosclerosis, high blood pressure, and stroke. Some causes for Cardiovascular Disease can be attributed to physical inactivity, unhealthy nutritional planning, smoking, and age."
A review of the limitations of "Prevalence and CardiovascularDisease Correlates of Low Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Adolescents and Adults," written by Mercedes R. Carnethon, Martha Gulati and Philip Greenland.
Abstract This paper discusses and reviews the article, "Prevalence and CardiovascularDisease Correlates of Low Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Adolescents and Adults," written by Mercedes R. Carnethon, Martha Gulati and Philip Greenland. It discusses the purpose of the study, the results and conclusions and the limitations of the study's methods.
From the Paper "The age selection was quite broad, so the study could control for other fitness factors relating to age impinging upon the results. But there is an obvious weakness in using such a large sampling. The population size is so diluted and generalized in its composition that the conclusions drawn from the study may be too vague to be of prescriptive use. To conduct the study, the authors submitted the test subjects to submaximal treadmill testing so they reached at least 75% to 90% of their age-predicted maximum heart rate. Maximal oxygen consumption, or VO2 max, was estimated by measuring their heart rate response to their effort. Low levels of fitness were defined by using percentile cut-off points of estimated VO2 max from existing external referent populations. In other words, the VO2 max definitions of fitness were derived purely from preexisting literature and studies. Similarly, the other physical and laboratory CVD risk factors measured according to standard methods were derived from preexisting literature."
Abstract This paper explains that hypertension, high levels of cholesterol (hypercholesterolemia), smoking and lack of physical activity are the four identifiable and modifiable risk factors associated with the development and progression of cardiovasculardisease and that these factors are especially high contributors to coronary artery disease in the elderly. The paper also examines the factors that make the elderly especially at risk for heart disease and discusses the prevention and treatment of the disease as well.
Table of Contents
Abstract
Focus and Intent
Critical Discussion
From the Paper "The elderly, those 65 years of age and older, are the fastest growing age group in the United States. "Individuals join the ranks of the elderly population at the rate of approximately 1,000 per day, and that number is likely to increase because the average life expectancy for persons reaching age 65 years is now an additional 15 years." In 1991, There were 30 million persons aged 65 years or greater in the United States, in 1991 and this figure is expected to increase to almost 50 million by the year 2020, approximately 20% of the population."
Abstract This paper studies descriptive epidemiology as it relates to the natural history of cardiovasculardisease. 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 The paper discusses the onset of coronary artery disease and the condition of atherosclerosis. The paper explains that coronary artery disease is primarily characterized as an inflammation of the arteries. The paper outlines the causes of this inflammation and examines the strong correlation between coronary artery disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) as well as with Type II Diabetes. The paper looks at the most serious complication from coronary artery disease, which is the possibility of a heart attack.
From the Paper "Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a frightening name for an all-too common illness. It is the most common type of heart disease and the leading cause of death in the United States for both men and women ("What Is Coronary Artery Disease?" NIH, 2007). More than 64 million Americans suffer from some form of cardiovascular disease, and in 2001, cardiovascular disease was responsible for more than 39 percent of all deaths in the United States (American Heart Association: Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics 2004, cited by "Coronary Artery Disease and Atherosclerosis, Health Concerns, 2006, p1)."
Abstract In this article the writer conducts an in-depth analysis of the heart disease process. In particular, the researcher examines heart disease and its effects on the young adult population. The researcher provides a comprehensive overview of the pathology of the condition, the effects of heart disease, its diagnosis and treatment protocols. Further the writer looks at the future of cardiovascular research related to heart disease, with particular emphasis on the young adult population. For purposes of this study the researcher focuses primarily on uncovering the pathology, causes and treatment for coronary heart disease in young adults.
Outline:
Introduction
Overview of Pathology of Heart Disease Factors Contributing to Disease Process
Signs and Symptoms
Diagnostic Procedures
Treatment Choices
Prognosis
Future Trends
Summary and Conclusions
References
From the Paper "The pathology of heart disease remains relatively straightforward. The primary function of the heart includes passing oxygenated blood through the body. To achieve this aim the heart relies on the coronary arteries, which passes oxygenated blood throughout the blood vessels in the body. Heart disease occurs when the heart muscle, often referred to as the myocardium, is incapable of receiving adequate oxygen. Typically this condition results as a failure of the coronary arteries to maintain and supply sufficient oxygen to the blood. Arteries within the heart typically are not capable of supplying sufficient blood because a coronary spasm occurs or because coronary obstruction exists within the arteries, meaning the arteries in the heart delivering oxygenated blood to the body become more rigid and narrow. This typically results when fat deposits accumulate within the arteries, a condition referred to as plaque accumulation or arteriosclerosis, and can begin as early as adolescence in many individuals. Fatty deposits resulting in coronary obstruction typically form from cholesterol and a substance called fibrin."
Abstract The paper reveals the alarming prevalence of obesity and related diseases such as cardiovasculardisease, Type 2 diabetes mellitus, colon cancer and hypertension. The paper provides a literature review and discusses the significant implications in terms of the practice of master's prepared nurses.
Outline:
Epidemiology of the Health Problem
Review of Interventions from the Literature
Implications for Master's Prepared Nurses
From the Paper "Physical inactivity has become a significant issue, especially with the concern regarding the alarming prevalence of obesity and related diseases such as cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes mellitus, colon cancer and hypertension in not only developed countries but also worldwide (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2000). All these diseases are linked with physical inactivity depending on the disease. For example, obesity, cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes mellitus are linked to physical inactivity in that calorie expenditure does not exceed caloric intake."
Abstract This paper discusses the impoverished communities in the United States in terms of their vulnerability as a population in relation to cardiovascular care. The paper explains that this population generally does not have health care and for those individuals that cannot be covered by either Medicare or Medicaid, their vulnerability is increased significantly. Major health concerns such as cardiovasculardisease often lead to patients that do not receive care because of the cost and availability of services.
Abstract The number of existing cases of high blood pressure is nearly 40% higher in blacks than in whites and its effects are more frequent and severe in this population. Recent emphasis on racial/ethnic health disparities in the field of public health has led to a call for the development of socio-ecological approaches toward the elimination of cardiovasculardisease disparities, however solutions to the problem are typically directed at health behavior change. This paper examines policies addressing hypertension disparities enacted at the federal level during the last five years, provides an overview of the problem definitions and solutions framed to set the agenda for these policies, explores the role of key policy actors in setting the policy agenda for the reduction of hypertension disparities, and makes recommendations for a different problem definition (less individualistic) with plausible solutions.
From the Paper "African Americans are disproportionately burdened with disease morbidity and mortality associated with hypertension.1 The existence of these racial disparities warrants public health policy attention for two reasons: first, the constitution delegates the "responsibility to protect and promote the welfare of the public" to the government (Scutchfield & Keck, 1997) and the existence of these disparities suggests that the welfare of some citizens is not being protected; second, the ethical framework for public policy development, which includes the egalitarian perspective of justice, holds that "everyone should have equal access to both the benefits and burdens arising from the pursuit of health" (Longest 1998); however, current research on disparities highlights inequalities in access to employment, education, housing, and healthcare as underlying reasons for gaps in health status (Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, 2000; Ren & Amick, 1996; Kawachi, Kennedy & Wilkinson, 1999)."
Abstract This paper discusses how cardiovasculardisease, including atherosclerosis, is a serious public health problem responsible for vast numbers of hospitalizations and deaths each year and how the costs of treatments, including drugs and procedures, is exponential. It examines how, in order to develop effective treatments and prevention strategies, potential causes of atherosclerosis must be addressed. Homocysteine is an amino acid found in the blood in different concentrations. It explores how research evidence has shown considerable correlations between elevated homocysteine levels and an increased risk of atherosclerosis. It aims to thoroughly examine the role that homocysteine plays in atherosclerosis and the extent to which certain biological and lifestyle factors, such as vitamin status and diet, affect levels of homocysteine and the presence and progression of atherosclerosis.
Outline
Evidence of the Relationship Between Homocysteine and Atherosclerosis
The Effects of Diet and Vitamin Supplementation on Homocysteine Levels
Genetic Variation and Homocysteine
Implications for Intervention
From the Paper "Suliman et al. (2003) reported that in studies of patients with end-stage renal disease that had very high levels of homocysteine (greater than 90%), total homocysteine levels were strongly associated to serum albumin levels. Also, patients with malnutrition had lower levels of total homocysteine and serum albumin than people with normal nutritional status. In addition, inflammation, diabetes and cardiovascular disease were all found to be associated with hypoalbuminia, and therefore, with lower levels of hyperhomocysteinemia. Furthermore, these researchers demonstrated with different groups of patients with end-stage renal disease, which should be noted, have inherently higher levels of homocysteine, that increased total homocysteine levels are associated with lower cardiovascular disease mortality."
This paper states that lycopene is an important member of the carotenoid family, which may play a key role in reducing the risk of cancer and cardiovasculardisease.
Abstract This paper explains that lycopene has the highest oxygen-quenching capacity, meaning that it is the strongest antioxidant and is twice as strong as beta carotene at neutralizing free radicals. The author points out that tomato products, including tomato ketchup, apricots, watermelons, pink grapefruit, and pink guavas are the best sources lycopene. The paper relates the various health benefits of lycopene may impact positively chronic health concerns that are important to women, including breast cancer, ovarian cancer, cervical cancer, cardiovasculardisease, preeclampsia, vision problems, and diabetes mellitus.
Table of Contents
Introduction
About Lycopene
Potential Health Benefits
Conclusion
From the Paper "Many of the reported health benefits of lycopene are related to its ability to protect cells against oxidative damage. While there has been considerably less research focusing on lycopene compared to other carotenoids, studies suggest that lycopene is a more potent forager of oxygen radicals than other major dietary carotenoids. According to Whole Health MD (2000), ?The basic science of lycopene is currently being established along with efforts toward evidence-based human intervention studies. Several studies have reported anticancer effects of lycopene in cell culture where lycopene has demonstrated antiproliferative effects.?"
Tags: antioxygen, radicals, neutralizing, tomato, women
Abstract This paper explains that the heart is a pump responsible for maintaining adequate circulation of oxygenated blood around the vascular network of the body. The author points out that the two main coronary arteries, the left and right coronary arteries, lie in sulci running over the surface of the myocardium, covered over by the epicardium, and have many branches that terminate in arterioles, supplying the vast capillary network of the myocardium. The author believes that, while diseases of this system are common, most of the risk factors are related to lifestyle habits and, thus, are modifiable.
From the Paper "Cardiovascular disease includes dysfunctional conditions of the heart, arteries, and veins that supply oxygen to vital life-sustaining areas of the body like the brain, the heart itself, and other vital organs. If oxygen doesn't arrive the tissue or organ will die. Ischemic heart disease is the term for obstruction of blood flow to the heart. This disorder results because excess fat or plaque deposits narrow the veins that supply oxygenated blood to the heart. Excess buildup of fat or plaque is respectively termed arteriosclerosis and atherosclerosis. Equally significant would be inadequate oxygen flow to the brain, which causes a stroke."
