...Modifiable Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease By: Fawn R. Stephen-Odle June 2012 Cardiovascular disease is caused by disorders of the heart and blood vessels, and includes coronary heart disease (heart attacks), cerebrovascular disease (stroke), raised blood pressure (hypertension), peripheral artery disease, rheumatic heart disease, congenital heart disease, and heart failure. The major causes of cardiovascular disease are tobacco use, physical inactivity, an unhealthy diet and harmful use of alcohol. Unfortunately, there are four non-modifiable risk factors that contribute to CVD (cardiovascular disease). Race and Ethnicity: Race and ethnicity have quite a bit to do with risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Studies show that African Americans have a higher risk for Cardiovascular Disease because of higher blood pressure levels, overweight and obesity, compared to Caucasians. Higher blood pressure levels are among the highest in African Americans in the world. Mexican Americans and Native Americans are also at higher risk for heart disease because of higher rates of obesity, diabetes, and smoking. Studies also show that about 77% of African American women, 72% of Mexican American women, and 61% of Native American women are overweight or obese, compared to 57% of Caucasian women. Taking precautions such as eating a proper diet, exercise, lessen use of alcohol, and quitting smoking can reduce a person’s chances of contracting Cardiovascular Disease. All races and ethnicities...
Words: 1018 - Pages: 5
...Effects of Disease on the Health Care Industry: Cardiovascular disease HCS/245 Patricia Talbert Due: 03/16/2015 University of Phoenix Material Effects of Disease on the Health Care Industry: Cardiovascular Health Complete the table below for 2 diseases that you have chosen that affects cardiovascular health. In each box, you are required to list 3-5 bulleted statements regarding the heading of that box. Cite your sources using APA format. This section is due in Week Three. |Chosen Cardiovascular Disease |Treatment Modalities |Cultural Beliefs/Practices |Epidemiological Statistics |Available Consumer Resources |Impact on Society | |or Disorder | |Affecting this Disease | |(ex. financing, information, support) | | |Coronary Artery Disease |Quitting smoking and avoiding |Heart disease is a man's disease. |Cardiovascular diseases cause |The CDC addresses heart disease. Great |According to the Centers for Disease | | |secondhand smoke. |(MYTH) |nearly one-third of all deaths |source for researching information. |Control and Prevention, heart disease | | | | ...
Words: 817 - Pages: 4
...plan which deals with it. In the current society, there are a lot of diseases which affect our communities. These diseases end up causing a lot of deaths. It is therefore important that nurses come up with a strategy of managing these deadly diseases. Examples of these deadly diseases are the heart diseases and stroke. Heart diseases are the leading causes of deaths in America. Stroke is ranked the third most cause of death in America. A combination of the two diseases poses a great threat to the communities of the United States. An advantage which people have over these diseases is that, these are also the most preventable diseases. They are caused by various factors which may include diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, smoking cigarettes, obesity and overweight. These diseases are controllable by one managing their own lifestyles and living a healthy life. The issue being looked in this context is to reduce the community health problems. (Kvan, 2008) The goal of the nursing assessments is to improve the various health care systems in various communities and hence improve the quality of life. This is done through treatment of risk factors which cause heart diseases. The only hope about heart diseases and stroke is that, an early detection of any cardiovascular diseases can be easily treated. The community development programs prevent the reoccurrence of repeated cardiovascular diseases.(Lloyd, 2010) However, this is not an easy task. First, controlling...
Words: 2706 - Pages: 11
...thought of herself as perfectly healthy. But it turns out Shermane had been at risk all along. Like many other African American women, she had a strong family history of high blood pressure and heart disease. Unfortunately, she didn’t discover this until it was almost too late. Heart disease is the No. 1 killer in women, and stroke disproportionately affects African Americans. Importantly, African American women are less likely than Caucasian women to be aware that heart disease is the leading cause of death. Diabetes, smoking, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, physical inactivity, obesity and a family history of heart disease are all greatly prevalent among African Americans and are major risk factors for heart disease and stroke. What’s more, African American women have almost two times the risk of stroke than Caucasians, and more likely to die at an earlier age when compared to women of other ethnicities. Here are a few unsettling stats: Cardiovascular diseases kill nearly 50,000 African American women annually. Of African-American women ages 20 and older, 49 percent have heart diseases. Only 1 in 5 African American women believes she is personally at risk. Only 52 percent of African American women are aware of the signs and symptoms of a heart attack. Only 36 percent of African American women know that heart disease is their greatest health risk....
Words: 293 - Pages: 2
...The Prevalence of Heart Disease for African Americans Lucinda Kroll Grand Canyon University The Prevalence of Heart Disease for African Americans American physicians have drastically reduced cardiovascular mortality and the death rates have decreased 17% since the 1990's (Nash, 2003). Their have been so many advances in open heart surgery, heart transplantations, and thrombolysis in the past decade. Their have also been great strides made in medications with heart disease patients (Nash, 2003). Unfortunately, the African American culture has not seen as much advancement as other cultures (Nash, 2003). African Americans have the highest rate of heart disease compared to all other ethnic groups (Nash, 2003). The CDC reports the 24.5% of deaths caused by heart disease in 2008 were African American and they had the highest percentage compared to other cultures (CDC, 2015). African Americans are at three time's greater risk to develop heart disease than Caucasians and two times more at risk of death from heart disease (Winham and Jones, 2011). For example, African Americans have been diagnosed at younger ages than Caucasians and are more likely to die from heart failure (Nash, 2003). They are also at a younger age when they experience their first myocardial infarction than Caucasians (Nash, 2003). Sadly stage 3 hypertension (ie., blood pressure >180/110), is reported to be the highest in the world for the African American community (Nash, 2003). This cultural...
Words: 999 - Pages: 4
...Heart disease is known mainly as coronary heart disease (CHD). It is the leading cause of death in the United States among men and women. Coronary heart disease, a result of coronary artery disease, is a chronic illness that will occur when the coronary arteries narrow due to plaque buildup along the artery walls, thus constricting the blood supply to the heart. It can cause symptoms such as shortness of breath, angina, myocardial infarction, and much more. As a community, we should be aware and well educated on what harmful risks we may face and should do our best to defend ourselves from these harms. Around the world, heart disease is the number one killer among most countries, specifically, the United States, Europe, and Asia. In developed...
Words: 699 - Pages: 3
...Heart Disease among African American Women Ciatta Jones, RN Excelsior College Abstract Heart Disease remains the number one killer among women. However, African American women have a higher rate of heart disease than any other ethnic group or demographics and subsequently have an increased mortality rate among other nationalities. They are disproportionately outnumbered when it comes to the obesity rate, stroke and diabetes amongst other groups such as the Caucasians and Asian’s. Contributing factors are decreased awareness and knowledge of heart disease, a low self perception regarding risk factors, ongoing behaviors that are not modified such as smoking, alcoholism, eating fried and salty foods and sometimes the inability to get to medical facilities and clinics. With more education about heart disease and an increased perception of risk, people’s minds will become transformed and will be motivated to modify risk factors related to heart disease. Differences in knowledge and comprehension levels are greater amid those that have a higher educational level. Continual health promotions, fairs, seminars and preventative efforts must continue for us to see positive outcomes associated with a desired behavior change. Keywords: African American, heart disease, women, risk factors, education Heart disease among African American Women The death threat of heart disease is greater than that of AIDS and breast cancer collectively. It is the number one killer of women and...
Words: 3067 - Pages: 13
...insufficient transportation, geographical location (not enough providers in an area), and cost of services. According to the 2010 Census data, more than 25% of the U.S. population is composed of ethnic minority groups: 12.1% African American, 9% Hispanic, 2.9% Asian, and 1.0% Native Americans. If current birth and immigration trends continue, it is expected that the Hispanic population will increase by 21%, Asian 22%, African-Americans 12% and the White population 2% by the year 2040 (U.S. Bureau of the Census, 2010). With the increase in population, also increases the disease. African Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans, and Asian Pacific Islander are the four minority groups with poor health, high morbidity, and mortality rates than their white counterparts. Native Americans are high in diabetes, more than twice that for white. Their life expectancy is five year shorter (Satcher, 2000). African Americans have higher rate of developing cardiovascular disease and cancer. According to the former Surgeon General, David Satcher, (2000), mortality rates in heart disease are more than 40% higher, death rate for all cancers is 30% higher, and HIV/AIDS for men are more than seven times higher for African Americans in comparison to whites. Asian American have great diversity within it’s own populations. They...
Words: 606 - Pages: 3
...Diabetes Mellitus Christa Hackett SOC 313 Sabrina Geoffrion June 17, 2013 Diabetes Mellitus is a chronic, incurable condition of carbohydrate metabolism that involves an imbalance of the supply and demand for insulin; it is the most common of all endocrine conditions (Laffel & Wood, 2007; Olefsky, 2001). Diabetes is a common health condition that affects millions throughout the universe. Diabetes affects millions of people in different and diverse ethnic groups. In the United States diabetes is the sixth leading cause of death. Diabetes is a growing problem in the US and it is becoming an epidemic. There are 3 types of diabetes mellitus, Type-1, Type-2, and Gestational Diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is insulin dependent and accounts for at least 10% of diagnosed cases. In Type 1 diabetes the immune system makes it hard for the body to produce insulin. With no insulin the body cannot transform sugar from food into nutrients for cells. When excess sugar collects in the blood stream, it may eventually cause premature death and heavy damage to organs. Type-1 diabetes can affect adults and children suddenly and require supplemental insulin, a carefully planned diet and exercise regimen. Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in young adults, teenagers, and children. Type 1 diabetes happens when the body’s immune system strike and destroys cells in the pancreas, the organ which is located behind the lower part of the stomach. These beta cells commonly produce insulin, the hormone...
Words: 3029 - Pages: 13
...Assignment: Cardiovascular Risk Factors Introduction The American Heart Association has identified several risk factors that greater your chance of developing coronary heart disease and heart attack. Major risk factors are those that research has shown significantly increase the risk of heart and blood vessel (cardiovascular) disease. Risk factors are divided up into modifiable and non-modifiable as outlined below. Patient Profile My patient on 03/31/2011 was M.M., who is a 55 year old Caucasian male who presented to UMC on 03/26/2011 with a chief complaint of shortness of breath, light headed, and pain in the left ankle. I choose M.M. as he had an admitting diagnosis of COPD exacerbation, syncope, and a medical history for being hospitalized with congestive heart failure (CHF), obstructive sleep apnea and COPD, and is currently a smoker. Risk Factors Age: According to the American Heart Association (AHA), over 82% of people who die of coronary heart disease are 65 or older. Age is the most important risk factor for developing CAD in women. When compared with men, women are, on average, 10 years older when they have CAD. (Ignatavicius & Workman, 2010). At older ages, women who have heart attacks are more likely than men are to die from them within a few weeks. M.M. is 55 years old, so this risk factor does not directly apply to him right now. Sex: According to the AHA, men have a greater risk of heart attack than women do, and they...
Words: 1065 - Pages: 5
...risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and stroke which have a systolic and a diastolic blood pressure level of >140/90 mmHg. 31% of US adults continue to suffer from hypertension, with minorities being more likely to have the condition. Of these, 25% have uncontrolled blood pressure. Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) for 1999–2002 showed that the hypertension prevalence rate was highest among African American, almost 50% higher than white people. African Americans develop hypertension at an early age, reach advanced levels of hypertension, are prone to experience further complications, and are less likely to attain control of their hypertension. Hypertension is a leading cause of preventable death in the United States and among African Americans. African Americans have the highest risk for hypertension-related deaths. Among all racial/ethnic groups, African American women have the highest prevalence (45%) and lowest control of high blood pressure (59%). NHANES data examining the 2001–2010 time period also showed African Americans were more likely to have uncontrolled hypertension than white people and Hispanic people. Poor adherence to medication has been identified as a major contributor to uncontrolled hypertension among African American patients. Women are about as likely as men to develop high blood pressure during their lifetimes. However, for people younger than 45 years old, the condition affects more men than women. For people 65...
Words: 354 - Pages: 2
...Cardiovascular disease is a general name for a wide variety of diseases, disorders and conditions that affect the heart and sometimes the blood vessels as well. Risk factors for developing cardiovascular disease include having hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle. Other risk factors include being of African-American ancestry, male, drinking excessive amounts of alcohol, having a lot of long-term stress, smoking and having a family history of a heart attack at an early age. Some different types of cardiovascular disease includes angina, heart attack, heart failure, atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease, and cardiac arrhythmias. Other forms of cardiovascular disease include congenital heart defects, cardiomyopathy, infections of the heart, coronary artery disease, heart valve disorders, myocarditis, and pericarditis. Symptoms of cardiovascular disease vary depending on the specific type of cardiovascular disease. A classic symptom of cardiovascular disease is chest pain. However, with some forms of cardiovascular disease, such as atherosclerosis, there may be no symptoms in some people until life-threatening complications. Treatment of cardiovascular disease begins with prevention. Many forms of cardiovascular disease can be prevented or controlled effectively with prevention measures that include regular exercise, not smoking or drinking excessively, achieving and maintaining a healthy weight, and eating a heart-healthy well-balanced...
Words: 714 - Pages: 3
...place to end health gaps in the United States. REACH tailors specifically toward the African-America/Black, American Indians, Hispanics/Latinos, Asian Americans, Alaska Natives, and Pacific Islanders that provides programs and interventions. Health disparities are quite prevalent amid these groups of people. Heart disease, obesity, and diabetes rank higher within these communities (National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention...
Words: 658 - Pages: 3
...Hypertension or High blood pressure is a prevalent cardiovascular disease in the United States and other nations around the world. It is estimated that 1 billion is affected with the disease and about 7.1 million hypertension related mortalities annually. It is a condition in which the long-term force of blood against artery walls is high enough to ultimately cause heart attack, aneurysm, stroke or left ventricular hypertrophy leading to congestive heart failure. Many people with hypertension do not realize they have because the symptoms are subtle and that it generally develops over a long period of time. Most often, vital organs like the kidneys and eyes may damage or other diseases may occur before it is detected; for this reason, it is often called the "silent killer (American Heart Association, 2014). According to Woo & Wynne (2012), a report from the World Health Organization indicates that suboptimal blood pressure higher than 115mm Hg (systolic) is liable for 62% of all cardiovascular disease and 49% of all ischemic heart disease. A normal blood pressure level is systolic reading of blood pressure (SBP) less than 120mmHg with diastolic level (DBP) less than 80mmHg. Hypertension disease has the following stages. A pre-hypertensive level is SBP 120-139, and DBP 80-89. Hypertension stage 1 is SBP 140-159, with DBP of 90-99. Hypertension stage 2 is SBP greater than or equal to 160 with DBP of 100 or more. Stress and emotional tension may temporarily increase blood pressure;...
Words: 3316 - Pages: 14
...The magnitude of Heart Disease in the United States Name: Institutional Affiliation The magnitude of Heart Disease in the United States Heart disease refers to a range of conditions impacting the heart (MFMER, 2018). In the US, the most prevalent form of heart disease is coronary heart disease. This disease interferes with the flow of blood to the heart. A reduction in the flow of blood results in a heart attack (CCD, 2015). There are also other diseases under the umbrella of heart disease including arrhythmias and congenital heart defects. In most cases, heart disease as a term is used interchangeably with cardiovascular disease (MFMER, 2018). However, it must be emphasized that cardiovascular disease basically describes...
Words: 2431 - Pages: 10
