Progressive Pathophysiology Leading to a Myocardial Infarction - Research Paper Example

I. Introduction Heart disease is a chronic problem in the U.S. “More than 5 million Americans are living with heart failure and 500,000 more are diagnosed each year, according to the American Heart Association.”1 A myocardial infarction—a heart attack— is a serious medical situation requiring immediate treatment. Obesity, poor diet, and lack of exercise are precursors to this condition. Fortunately, these factors can be changed. II. Diagnosis & Diagnostic DataIn order to diagnose myocardial infarction, a series of tests need to be conducted—giving the patient a work-up which may include a cardiac catheter.

Right now, “[t]he current clinical recommendation is to test for homocysteine, CRP and lipoprotein(a) levels as an adjunct to established.criteria…In patients with borderline high risk, test for novel cardiac markers to help determine the aggressiveness of treatment strategies.”2 After diagnosis, the patient can then move on to the next stage, which is treatment.III. Treatment and Medical ManagementTreatment may include a wide range of therapies. Patients may have to enroll in cardiac rehabilitation, receive drug therapy, have a stint implanted in a vessel or vessels, or undergo bypass surgery.

Medication management is important, and it is imperative that appropriate have good assessment measures and nursing management.IV. Assessment and Nursing ManagementThe failure of the left ventricle to pump blood is precipitated by the body having to work much harder to perform normal everyday functions—thus placing strain upon the heart. “Neurohormonal activation leads to remodeling of the left ventricle (LV), characterized by dilatation, hypertrophy, and a more spherical appearance of the chamber.”