An analysis of Coronary CT, explaining why it may eliminate the need for non-interventional heart catheterization, and stands ready to serve as the preliminary choice for diagnostic evaluation of the native coronary vessels.
Abstract The paper explains how our society is increasingly at risk; the number of fatalities each year from coronary artery disease continues to rise in spite of efforts to educate the populace on methods to reduce risk factors. The paper lists the steps that must be taken to identify those individuals at risk and provide them with treatment options. The paper identifies angiography as providing the best method of coronary evaluation available, and lists the three types currently in use: magnetic resonance, catheter, and computed tomography. The paper analyzes the specific benefits and limitations of each type. Of the three, the paper finds that computed tomographic angiography (CTA) provides the greatest versatility and has the least associated risks and limitations, and also provides the greatest volume of information and detail. In conclusion, the paper anticipates that the CTA will likely become the diagnostic tool of choice and ultimately supplant catheter angiography.
From the Paper "The super-sized, rapid paced, high stress society we inhabit contributes daily to the demise of our fellow citizens. The epidemic rise of obesity and diabetes compounds the risk of America's number one killer: heart disease. The number of Americans succumbing to heart disease will nearly double from 500,000 in 2002 to 930,000 in 2005. The cost to treat cardiovascular patients in 2005 will cap at just under $400 billion (Kazerooni, 2005). Emphasis on risk reduction should be made, but it falls short of real impact. Steps must be taken to diagnose patients at risk and provide treatment options appropriate to their level of disease."
Abstract This paper describes the biological basis of coronary heart disease in addition to explaining some of its major risk factors and how they affect the development of the disease.
Table of Contents
Biological Basis of Coronary Heart Disease
Risk Factors
How Do Smoking, High Blood Cholesterol and Obesity Affect the
Development of CHD?
Conclusion
From the Paper "The constricted blood supply to the heart means reduced oxygen supply to the heart muscles. When the blood supply is sufficiently restricted (but not completely blocked), chest pain known as angina pectoris , results; when the arteries are completely blocked due to plaque build-up or due to plaque-rupture resulting in a blood clot (called thrombus), a heart attack (also called myocardial infarction) occurs. After a heart attack, part of the heart muscles die due to lack of oxygen and the episode may prove fatal or the sufferer may survive an attack, depending on the severity of the infarction and/or the medical attention provided. Both these conditions, i.e., sufficient constriction of the coronary arteries resulting in angina or heart attack constitute Coronary Heart Disease."
Abstract This paper presents CAD, or coronary artery disease. The paper begins with an overview of CAD, including statistical data. Next, the paper explores the etiology of disease. The paper then examines diagnostic tests used to detect the condition and signs and symptoms of the disease. The paper concludes with a discussion of treatment -- and under-treatment -- of the disease.
From the Paper "Coronary artery disease generally refers to the buildup of cholesterol in the inside layers of the arteries. This buildup slowly narrows the flow of blood through the vessel and the muscles..."
Abstract This paper discusses the Pathophysiology of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD). The paper begins by explaining the processes within the body that result in the signs and symptoms of the disease. The paper also reviews diagnosis and treatment of the disease. The paper focuses on the importance of nursing care and patient teaching for successful rehabilitation of CAD patients.
From the Paper "Plaque on the arteries is a serious physical condition that can be identified before a heart attack or other medical emergency..."
Abstract In this paper, the writer provides an overview of the coronary heart disease. The writer looks at its pathophysiology and clinical manifestations. The matters of diagnostic tests, diagnosis and complications are also discussed. The writer examines nursing interventions including psycho-educational and behavioral interventions and helping patients with physical activity.
From the Paper "This paper provides a brief but comprehensive overview of coronary heart disease, its pathophysiology clinical manifestations diagnosis management complications and nursing interventions. According to Whitaker, coronary heart disease or CHD is the most common form of heart disease involving a reduction in the blood supply to the heart muscle by narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries ... "
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 This paper analyzes and examines the coronary risks associated with obesity. It includes some of the most common life-threatening diseases caused by obesity. It outlines and details the coronary risks associated with obesity. Finally, it concludes with recommendations for reducing both obesity and coronary risks.
From the Paper "Eating healthy is one of the most important, yet frequently overlooked aspects in life. Research indicates that four of the leading causes of death in the United States are linked to diet, namely cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Taken cumulatively, diet-related health conditions cost society about $250 billion annually in lost productivity and medical costs. In addition, studies have indicated that thirty to forty percent of deaths due to cancer may be prevented if individuals would choose a healthful diet and engage in physical activity. Despite these facts, many individuals either refuse to or are unable to engage in proper eating and exercise habits as recommended by the United States Department of Agriculture."
Abstract This paper describes the incidence of coronary heart disease. The author explains coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. The paper reviews 7 articles on coronary artery bypass graft pain management and applies them to nursing.
From the Paper The average life expectancy of Americans is ... years but almost .... million Americans have one or more types of cardiovascular disease. Among the more common surgical procedures performed among Americans with cardiovascular disease is the coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) at a rate of almost ...., such surgeries taking place annually and an expected ... to ... percent annual increase in the number of CABGs. Consequently, identifying the most effective postoperative comfort measures that ..."
Abstract This paper examines how coronary heart disease is a killer and how it is predominantly affected by the chronic inflammatory reaction occurring in the subendothelium of the artery. It builds a picture of the cascade of events that occur to form a fatal atheroma in the coronary arteries, illustrated with experimental evidence obtained from experiments with transgenic mice.
From the Paper "The blood supply to the heart is referred to as the coronary blood supply. This is provided by the left and right coronary arteries, which are subdivisions pf the coronary artery that joins the aorta just above the mitral valve. The right coronary artery supplies the right atrial and ventricular myocardium, whereas the left coronary artery splits into the left circumflex artery supplying the left atrial and ventricular myocardium, and the left anterior descending artery which supplies the left ventricular and right ventricular myocardium. Most notably there are no anatomises in the coronary circulation. Therefore, occlusion of any of the arteries will result in severely reduced perfusion to the area usually supplied by that artery. This leads to ischemia, and eventual cell death, fibrosis and loss of function. Therefore the coronary blood supply is particularly venerable to arterial disease that causes arterial occlusion."
Abstract This paper explains that coronary heart disease (CHD) was infrequent well into the twentieth century and the increase in coronary heart disease in following years, in western societies, cannot be attributed to factors such as hereditary or an increase in the population of older individuals. The author explains that the rapid increase in industrialization in the U.S. culture creates individual competitiveness, which places more stress on the individual since success or failure is the responsibility of the individual perceived to be his or her burden alone, which can result in anger and emotions such as frustration, tension and sadness that have a negative physiological effect on the body. The paper stresses that counseling including behavior modification, medication prescribed for anxiety and depression, involvement in support groups and social settings and various relaxation techniques can help reduce stress and thereby prevent CHD.
From the Paper "In addition to its potential to raise blood pressure and contribute to hardened arteries, researchers believe that anger arouses the involuntary nervous system--the network that controls unconscious bodily functions like digestion, sweating, and heartbeat. Specifically, they think it prompts the release of stress hormones such as cortisol and catecholamines (cat-e-COL-uh-meenz). Over time, having too many stress hormones floating through the system can damage the heart muscle and the delicate linings of surrounding blood vessels as well as disrupt the heart's electrical rhythm. In addition, stress hormones trigger the biochemical process that causes blood platelets to become sticky and clump together--a process that has been implicated in the formation of artery-clogging plaque. This hostility, which continues over time, is considered a "chronic" form of stress."
Abstract The following paper focuses on the controllable risk factors of stress, and details its relationship with coronary disease. It discusses what the main causes of heart disease are and examines how the stress factor can contribute to this disease.
From the Paper "Coronary heart diseases are one of the most common of all the heart diseases yet discovered. The primary characteristics of a coronary heart disease are the narrowing of the coronary arteries of the heart that are responsible for supplying blood to the heart. According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), more than 500,000 people die every year from heart attacks caused by one or other coronary heart diseases. In studying heart diseases, particularly, there are certain risk factors that are responsible for developing heart diseases including coronary heart disease. These risk factors are broadly grouped in to two categories, one that are controllable, and the other uncontrollable."
Abstract This paper begins by explaining that coronary heart disease (CHD) is the leading cause of death in many countries and that one of the main risk factors associated with CHD is high cholesterol. The paper shows how cholesterol levels are determined and what can be done to lower the risk. Included in this paper is a behavioural modification plan and tips for a healthier lifestyle that is free of the risk factors associated with CHD.
From the Paper "Cholesterol forms an important function in the body; it helps to produce hormones, vitamins and some bile acids. Located in the bloodstream, cholesterol is present in many parts of the body including the brain, skin, liver and muscle tissue. However cholesterol can be lethal; high amounts in the bloodstream can lead to a build up of cholesterol and plaques (fatty deposits) on arterial walls which then narrow arteries and may result in inadequate blood circulation to the heart muscle (coronary heart disease)."
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 Dietary antioxidant vitamins and death from coronary heart disease in postmenopausal women" by Kushi, Folsom, Prineas, Mink, Wu, and Bostick (1996) reports that evidence supports the conclusion that the oxidative modification of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) might be important in the development of atherosclerosis and studies indicate that antioxidants may have a role in preventing the development of coronary heart disease. This study provided the opportunity to examine effects of dietary antioxidants related to mortality from coronary heart disease in postmenopausal women.
From the Paper "ANTIOXIDANTS & HEART DISEASE
Introduction
"Dietary antioxidant vitamins and death from coronary heart disease in postmenopausal women" by Kushi, Folsom, Prineas, Mink, Wu, and Bostick (1996) reports that evidence supports the conclusion that the oxidative modification of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) might be important in the development of atherosclerosis and studies indicate that antioxidants may have a role in preventing the development of coronary heart disease. This study provided the opportunity to examine effects of dietary antioxidants related to mortality from coronary heart disease in postmenopausal women.
Oxidized LDL has been found to be present in atherosclerotic plaques and the oxidation of LDL seems to enhance the uptake of ..."
Abstract This paper presents a discussion about the risk factors for coronary disease. The author takes the readers on a listed tour of the risk factors that are involved for coronary heart disease and discusses how these risk factors affect exercise programming.
