This week I would like to focus on those who are at risk for cardiovascular compromise/disease and tips with how to treat it!
Modifiable Risk Factors:
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Decreased physical activity
- Lifestyle choices
- Diet high in fat and sodium
- Sleep Apnea
- The Media*
- Hypertension
- High Cholesterol
Non-modifiable Risk Factors:
- Race (African Americans)
- Family History
- Age
- Preeclampsia
Treating Cardiovascular Disease:
- Quit Smoking!
- Get diabetes under control
- Healthy Diet (Do not eat at the Heart Attack Grill*)
- Manage Stress
- Increase physical activity
- Patients may be put on medications to help lower cholesterol such as Simvastatin; may be placed on anti-hypertensives such as Lopressor; diuretics such as Lasix and anti platelet therapy such as Aspirin (this will be talked about in weeks to come).
- Some may need cardiac rehab, angioplasty, bypass and hormone therapy
- See the NIH website for more detailed information
*See how the media plays into a real problem that Americans are facing. Unhealthy eating habits are glorified and the medical/nursing fields are made to look glamorous (as if you were being rewarded for bad decisions). What are your thoughts after seeing this clip?
What really galls me is the representation of the nurses. I am so tired of nursing getting the raw deal with the sexy, glamorous profiles that we have to deal with when they come in for real life problems. Maybe the nursing organizations need to band together and bring a halt to this establishment like they did with the portrayal of nurses in House, MD.
ReplyDelete