Question

• Discuss the pathophysiology of CVD.
• Compare and contrast the signs and symptoms of CVD in males and females.
• Discuss two risk factors that contribute to the development of CVD. How do these risk factors increase the incidence of CVD?
• Discuss one major complication of CVD.
• Provide a nutritional and lifestyle teaching plan for your patient to reduce the risk of CVD.

Answer 1

Cardiovascular Diseases.

Group of disorders that affect heart and blood vessels are called cardiovascular diseases. It includes :-

-coronary artery disease, that affects the blood vessels supply to the heart.

-cerebrovascular disease, that affects the blood vessels supply to the brain.

-peripheral arterial disease, that affects blood vessels supply to arms and legs.

-deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism,condition in which blood clots dislodge from veins and move to heart and lungs.

-rheumatic heart disease, condition that affect the heart muscles due to streptococcal infections.

-valvular heart diseases, affects the valves of the heart.

-congenital heart disease, malformations of the heart from the time of birth onwards.

Pathophysiology.

* in cardiovascular disease the heart doesn't get enough blood for metabolic needs.

* this results in elevation of pulmonary and system venous pressure.

* this causes organ congestion.

Signs and Symptoms.

In males.

* chest pain or discomfort.

* shortness of breath.

* nausea

In females.

* burning sensation in the chest.

* back, neck or jaw pain.

* tightness in the chest.

* dizziness.

* vomiting.

* sweating.

* lightheadedness.

* shortness of breath.

* chest discomfort etc.

Risk Factors.

* high blood pressure - increased blood pressure may damage the blood vessels.

* high cholesterol level - increased fat deposition may narrow the blood vessels and there is a higher chance for clot formation.

* diabetes - higher blood sugar level damage the blood vessels and become narrow.

* obesity - it increases risk of developing high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol level etc which are the risk factors of CVD.

* smoking - use of tobacco will cause damage to the blood vessel and results in thinning of blood vessels.

* inactivity - this also increase the chance of high blood, diabetes, high cholesterol level, obesity etc.

* family history.

* alcohol consumption.

* age, most common over 50 years.

* gender,men are more likely to develop.

One of the most common complication of CVD is heart failure. It occurs when the heart is unable to pumb enough blood to the body parts. This will decrease oxygen and nutrient supply. This will result in fatigue and shortness of breath. Every day activities become difficult. We can manage this condition by certain medications and life style modifications.

Other complications include heart attack, stroke, arrhythmia, heart valve problems etc.

Nutritional and Lifestyle Management.

* follow healthy diet - limit saturated fats, reduce sugar, sodium intake. Include more fruits, vegetables, whole grains etc in the diet. Try to follow DASH diet.

* control blood pressure - check blood pressure regularly. Reduce sodium intake. Avoid smoking and alcohol intake. Life style changes will help to control blood pressure.

* control cholesterol and triglycerides level - high levels of triglycerides raise the risk of coronary artery disease. Lifestyle changes, dietary restrictions and medications help to keep it under control.

* maintain a healthy weight - avoid over eating. Follow a healthy diet and daily exercise will help to maintain a proper weight.

* regular exercise - will strengthen heart condition and improve circulation. It helps to maintain a healthy weight.

* don't smoke - smoking increases the blood pressure and there by increase the risk for stroke and heart attack.

* reduce alcohol consumption - this also increases the blood pressure. Due alcohol consumption more calories may added and result in weight gain. This will be a risk factor for heart disease.

* reduse stress - stress may elevate our blood pressure. Over eating, alcohol consumption, smoking etc will raise the blood pressure. To avoid this we should take steps to reduce our stress such as listening to music, proper exercise, meditation etc.

* manage diabetes - high blood sugar levels damage nerves and blood vessels. So proper check up, exercise, healthy diet etc help to control blood sugar levels.

* enough sleep - lack of sleep may increase blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, stress etc. This will increase the risk of developing heart disease. Consult a physician if the patient is suffering from sleep problems.