Question

On the basis of current epidemiologic evidence, explain the current issue of heart disease factors that have contributed to the following: the observed trend in mortality rates for this disease, the changes in survival; the changes in incidence. A key concept in epidemiology is that of the levels of prevention. As a community health nurse, describe primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention interventions related to this health issue. Are there modifiable factors, such as health behaviors that lend themselves to better prevention efforts? Give an example.

Answer 1

The current issue of heart disease factors leading to mortality rates for the disease are as follows

• High blood pressure
• Radiation therapy
• Lack of sleep
• High blood cholestrol (hyperlipidemia)
• Diabetes
• Fatty diet with high carbohydrates diet
• Physical inactivity
• Drinking too much alcohol
• Stress
• Air pollution
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
• Air pollution
• Artherosclerosis.

Role Of a Community Health Nurse is to emphasize on three levels of prevention.

Primary Prevention: Health education to the people of community, industry workers, over the age of 40 years to be provided regarding the risk factors, signs and symptoms, diagnostic procedures,pathophsiolgy, treatment modalities.This will create an awareness to prevent Cardio Vascular Disease among the people.

Secondary Prevention:Early detection and treatment of the disease.Conducting screening programs among the high risk group people and looking out for signs and symptoms.So early treatment can be given.

Tertiary Prevention:Providing Rehabilitative care to the patient who is already affected with the cardiovascular disease to prevent further complications.

Modifiable risk factors:

These are risk factors which can be modified to alleviate the risk of cardiovascular disease like Lifestyle and habits, which helps in prevention of Cardio vascular disease.

• Quitting Smoking
• Quitting Drinking
• Brisk Walking
• Reduction of weight
• Prevention of air pollution
• Meditation and prayer to bring down stress level
• Consumption of green leafy vegetables
• Diet excluding fatty food and high cholestrol.