Heart Disease Plan for Care Ralph Marrero South University 05/02 ✓ Solved

Chronic illnesses are diseases that last for at least three months and include arthritis, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, among others. Chronic diseases usually affect multiple parts of the body and only partly respond to treatment. Patients suffering from such conditions may experience periods where the disease temporarily goes away before reappearing. Chronic diseases, particularly heart disease, require well-planned care that addresses patients' needs. This paper will discuss heart disease as a chronic illness, develop a questionnaire for patients to help prepare a plan of care, and include Healthy People 2020 goals for heart diseases.

Heart diseases refer to conditions affecting blood flow to the heart. The most common is coronary artery disease, which caused the deaths of 365,914 people in 2017. Plaque builds up in the arteries, narrowing the path for blood. Ruptured plaque can lead to blood clots, completely blocking blood flow. Insufficient blood flow can result in heart attacks and is difficult to prevent if not predicted early. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for all ethnic groups in the United States. One in four deaths results from heart disease, resulting in approximately 647,000 deaths annually. Better treatment and early intervention can manage these cases, improve quality of life, and increase lifespan.

To develop an effective plan of care, several risk factors must be considered, including diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, physical inactivity, and excessive alcohol consumption. The following questionnaire is designed to gather vital information from patients:

Questionnaire for Patients

  • When was the last time you had your blood pressure checked?

    • Less than 12 months ago

    • More than 12 months ago

    • Never tested

  • What was the state of your blood pressure?

    • Normal

    • High

    • Not sure

  • If high, do you currently take medicines to manage it?

    • Yes

    • No

  • Have you adopted any healthy eating habits?

    • Cutting down on salt intake

    • Reducing alcohol consumption

    • Engaging in physical activity

    • All of the above

    • None of the above

  • Have you ever had your blood cholesterol checked?

    • Yes

    • No

    • Unsure

  • What was the status of your blood cholesterol level?

    • Normal

    • High

    • Not sure

  • Do you have a plan to get more physically active per week?

    • Yes, within the next month

    • Yes, within the next six months

    • No, maybe after 6 months

  • Do you recognize the signs of a heart attack?

    • Feeling weak, faint, and lightheaded

    • Swelling of the legs and feet

    • Sudden trouble in sight

    • Chest, jaw, or neck pains and discomfort

    • Shortness of breath

Morbidity and Comorbidity of Heart Disease

Patients with heart diseases are at high risk for comorbid conditions. These cardiovascular diseases are interlinked, where one can increase the risk of another. Conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and hypertension contribute significantly. Hypertension often occurs together with diabetes and heart diseases due to shared risk factors.

Impact on National Health

The investment made by the United States in managing heart disease is substantial. Every 37 seconds, one person dies from cardiovascular disease. An alarming statistic shows that among the ten deaths, two occur in the productive age group. The effects of heart diseases and their comorbid factors complicate patient management and increase the burden on healthcare systems. The government’s annual expenditure on heart diseases is estimated at $219 billion, demonstrating the significant healthcare burden.

Conclusion and Healthy People 2020 Goals

Healthy People 2020 aims to improve cardiovascular health with specific goals focusing on detection, prevention, and treatment of heart diseases. These goals encourage lifestyle changes, such as healthy eating and regular physical activity, and emphasize early identification and management, significantly reducing the mortality rates associated with cardiovascular diseases.

References

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  • Healthy People 2020 Midcourse Review. (2016).

  • Heart disease and stroke | Healthy People 2020. (n.d.). Healthy People 2020.

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