Assignment Instructions
Identify a cardiac or respiratory dysfunction and its cause. Outline the key steps necessary to prevent the dysfunction and improve health status.
Sample Answer
Identify a cardiac or respiratory dysfunction and its cause. Outline the key steps necessary to prevent the dysfunction and improve health status.
The cardiac dysfunction that I will discuss in my post is coronary artery disease. Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is the leading cause of death in the United States as it affects individuals of all races. The dysfunction is caused by the narrowing of the arteries and this limits the flow of oxygen to the heart leading to the building of plaque in the arteries. Angina/ chest pain is the major symptom of CAD as it is caused by the limited supply of blood and oxygen to the heart (CDC, 2021). Over time, overworking of the heart leads to arrhythmia/ heart failure.
There are various steps that are necessary in preventing CAD and improving the patient's health status. The first intervention in preventing CAD is quitting smoking or avoiding secondhand smoke for non-smokers. This is crucial as smoking leads to [atherosclerosis](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/atherosclerosis/) (plaque build-up). Engagement in physical activities for 30 to 60 minutes per day prevents CAD as exercise enables an individual to control weight and reduce the risk of conditions that can strain the heart such as Type 2 Diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure (NHS, 2024). Consumption of a healthy diet consisting of fruits and vegetables, legumes, fish and lean meat, healthy grains, whole grains, and low-fat dairy foods is essential in reducing the accumulation of cholesterol and improving blood pressure and this is healthy for the heart.
Reduction of consumption of alcohol is essential in preventing CAD. Both men and women should not drink more than 14 units in a week. Drinking more than 14 units a week should be distributed over 3 days. CAD can be prevented by keeping the blood pressure under control. Blood pressure should always be below 135/85mm Hg (NHS, 2024). Additionally, it is essential for an individual to maintain a healthy weight about their build and height.
References
CDC. (2021). Coronary Artery Disease (CAD). https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/coronary_ad.htm#:~:text=Overweight%2C%20physical%20inactivity%2C%20unhealthy%20eating,age%20(50%20or%20younger)
NHS. (2024). Prevention -Coronary heart disease. nhs.uk. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronary-heart-disease/prevention/