Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of death globally, responsible for over 17 million deaths per year.
As nurses play a pivotal role in preventative healthcare and patient education, an understanding of CVD risk factors, diagnosis, and evidence-based management strategies is essential.
Causes and Risk Factors
The predominant cause of CVD is atherosclerosis, a progressive narrowing of arteries due to fatty plaque buildup.
Major modifiable cardiovascular risk factors include smoking, obesity, physical inactivity, hypertension, and dyslipidemia.
Non-modifiable risk factors include age, gender, ethnicity, and family history. Nurses serve a vital function in identifying those at highest risk of CVD based on these factors. Framingham risk scoring is commonly used to predict 10-year CVD event risk, while more advanced tests like coronary artery calcium (CAC) scoring detect subclinical disease.
Once high-risk patients are identified through screening, nurses play a crucial role in lifestyle counseling and developing risk reduction plans.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Classic CVD symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath, and palpitations. However, many remain asymptomatic until sudden cardiac events like heart attacks or strokes occur. Therefore, screening high-risk i
ndividuals is paramount. The standard diagnostic test for obstructive CVD is cardiac catheterization, an invasive imaging procedure.
Non-invasive stress testing assesses the heart’s response to exercise. Nurses prepare patients physically and emotionally before these tests and monitor them closely for complications. They also educate patients on test findings, treatment options, and making heart-healthy lifestyle changes.
Treatment and Prevention
Lifestyle changes like smoking cessation, weight loss, and exercise should be first-line for CVD prevention and treatment.
Medications like statins, ACE inhibitors, beta blockers, and aspirin may also be warranted, especially for higher risk individuals. In severe cases, procedures like stenting or bypass surgery are options.
Nurses reinforce medical therapy adherence and ensure lifestyle recommendations are practical, personalized, and culturally appropriate.
They also monitor for medication side effects and track risk factor improvements through follow up.
Optimizing these factors reduces recurrent cardiac events and improves outcomes.In conclusion, nurses are integral in assessing CVD risk, recognizing symptoms, coordinating diagnostic tests, and educating patients on therapeutic lifestyle changes and medications for prevention. Their involvement across the continuum of care significantly improves outcomes for those with or at risk of cardiovascular disease.
