Possible Solutions for Reducing Spread of Coronary Artery Disease, Case Study Example

Introduction

This is a major cause of death and disability in the United States.

Main Types

1. Ischemic disease(myocardial infarction)
2. Atherosclerotic disease- occlusion of coronary arteries by atheromatous plaques

It mainly presents as chest pain referred to as angina pectoris. A very severe crushing type of pain.

Risk Factors

Non-Modifiable

• Gender-female
• Obesity
• Past family history of coronary artery disease

Modifiable

• Tobacco, excessive alcohol use
• Diet- high slat diet, saturated fatty acids,
• Lifestyle- sedentary lifestyle,
• High blood pressure
• Certain infections

Prevention

Primary Prevention – Control of the Risk Factors

• Avoidance of tobacco, alcohol
• Diet modification-unsaturated fats, low salts (avoid use of salt on the dinning table),
• Exercise (walking at least half an hour five days a week),
• Check weight (BMI of between 18 and 25 recommended)
• KEY-Community sensitization, behavior modification & screening

Secondary Prevention – Early Treatment Including Treatment of Asymptomatic Cases

• Early control of blood pressure
• Screening and early treatment of asymptomatic cases
• KEY- Clinic based intervention via early detection & intervention

Tertiary Prevention – Treatment of Complications Including Post-MI Disabilities

• Blood pressure control- ACE inhibitors and diuretics
• Anticoagulants & thrombolytics
• lipid lowering drugs, aspirin/clopidogrel/dipyridamole.
• Surgery-coronary artery stenting, coronary artery bypass
• Rehabilitation- nursing homes for the post-MI disabled patients

Cited Works

Fauci,S. Harrison’s Principles Of Internal Medicine New York: McGraw-Hill 2008

Mulvihill, L. Human Diseases; A Systematic Approach New York: Pearson Education 2006