Question

outline a proposal for health education on cardiovascular disease and stroke for African Americans that can be used in a family centered health promotion to address the issue for the target population. Ensure your proposal is based on evidence based practice

Answer 1

Health education on Cardiovascular disease and stroke:

PROPOSAL:

Cardiovascular diseases ( CVD) and Stroke :

Cardiovascular disease is a disease involving the heart and blood vessels. Stroke is one of the major disease under Cardiovascular diseases. Other diseases are Coronary artery disease, hypertension , heart attack etc. 80 million Americans are suffering with one or the other type of Cardiovascular disease during their lifetime.  

Stroke :

The loss of brain function arising when the blood supply to the brain is suddenly interrupted. It may be of two types Ischemic stroke and Hemorrhagic stroke. Ischemic stroke is due to lack of blood supply as a result of an obstruction in the artery due to blood clot and Hemorrhagic stroke , occurs due to bleeding in a particular part of brain, as a result of rupture of artery / arteries in the brain.  

Causes and Risk factors for Cardiovascular diseases and stroke:

* Atherosclerosis: type of Arteriosclerosis ( narrowing and hardening of blood vessels) , in which the blood vessels get narrow due to the deposition of fatty plaques. This can result in partial ot total blockage of blood flow through the artery, leads to the rupture of blood vessels or ischemia.  

* Family history : Family history of hypertension, Coronary artery diseases, stroke are the major risk factors.

* Obesity and hypercholostrolemia: often leads to CVDs and stroke .

* Diabetes Mellitus: Untreated DM may leads to hypertension and heart diseases.

* Sedentary lifestyle: Physical inactivity can lead to hypercholostrolemia, obesity, type 2 DM etc. This inturn increases the risk of CVDs and stroke.

* Smoking and Alcoholism: Smoking negatively affects the health of blood vessels and increases the risk of CVDs. Alcohol consumption often leads to the damage to the vital organs

Major CVDs:

* Hypertension: Abnormally increased Blood pressure.

* Coronary artery disease ( CAD): Any disease caused by the accumulation of fatty deposits in the Coronary arteries that supply blood to the Myocardium.  

* Heart attack: An acute myocardial infarction .

* Stroke : Ischemic stroke and haemorrhagic stroke ( explained above)

Tips to avoid or reduce the risk of CVDs and Stroke:

* Maintain healthy weight and a fit body

* Regular physical exercise or Active life style

* Heart healthy diet is having an at most importance. Heart healthy diet should include whole grains, fruits and vegetables with less salt and sugar . The diet should be low in carbohydrate and fats.  

* Maintain the Cholesterol level. Keep the Low density lipoprotein ( LDL) below 100 and HDL ( High density lipoprotein) above 50mg/ dL.

* Avoid smoking and alcoholism ( maximum 1 drink/ day for women and 2 drink/ day for men.

* Stress Management and relaxation techniques including deep breathing exercise : can reduce the risk of CVDs and stroke.  

* Regular check up and follow up of diseases like Diabetes Mellitus, hypertension, hyperchlostrolemia etc.