Coronary Artery Disease - Pathophysiology and Management - Research Paper Example

Plague is a component of fat, cholesterol and other substances of the blood. Plague is slowly built up over several years forming a condition known as atherosclerosis (Cohen & Hasselbring, 2007). After a long period of building up, plague hardens and narrows coronary artery leading to limits of flow of oxygenated blood to the heart. As the plague hardens, it eventually ruptures, causing a blood clot, a situation that can lead to blockage of blood flow through the coronary artery. If the flow of oxygenated blood is reduced or blocked, a heart attack occurs (Cohen & Hasselbring, 2007).

The beginning of symptomatic CAD is normally about ten years in men, but CAD cases in women are more prevalent especially to women who have reached menopause. However, it is believed that CAD cases tend to cumulate in families (Cohen & Hasselbring, 2007). Studies have indicated that history of CAD risks in families with CAD cases is common. Although some people can argue that CAD is a hereditary disease, some factors like other health complications such as hypertension, high blood pressure and obesity facilitates risks of CAD.

All these are widely associated with living styles. There are precautions that physicians give to patients suffering from CAD. Unfortunately, many people suffering from CAD fail to take these precautions seriously (Cohen & Hasselbring, 2007). For example, the habit of smoking has become so rampant with over twenty five percent of people with over eighteen years smoking cigarette. Smoking is said to multiply the effects of other CAD factors. It is estimated to cause twenty percent of CAD deaths.

The theory of aetherorosclerosis states that the process symbolizes an effort to heal in response to endothelial injury (Cohen & Hasselbring, 2007). During this process, the first step involves development of fatty streaks. These streaks tend to form between endothelium and internal elastic lamina. In the recent past, inflammation is becoming a component of atherosclerosis genesis and plague instability. Patients with CAD are at danger of risk factors known as metabolic syndrome (Cohen & Hasselbring, 2007).

CAD is known for its persistent burden to many people all over the world. However, its risks can be managed if efficacy of lipid- lowering models is followed. The first lipid- lowering therapy focuses on therapeutic lifestyle changes (Cohen & Hasselbring, 2007). This includes dietary changes, constant physical activities, avoiding risky practices like smoking and alcohol drinking, and undertaking recommended wait lose. However, there are pharmacologic agents that help adjust lipid levels although, therapeutic lifestyle is preferred to them (Cohen & Hasselbring, 2007).

Patients with CAD are carefully examined. The examination includes description of the pain, its location and severity (Cohen & Hasselbring, 2007). Diagnosis of CAD involves detailed patients history and electrocardiogram. After the initial diagnosis, laboratory tests follow. Angina is the commonest symptom although some patients remain asymptomatic. Some of the notable symptoms include chest pain, sweating, and yellowish tumors at either lower or upper lids. One of the major causes of CAD is stress (Cohen & Hasselbring, 2007).

In this regard, nursing care plan involves helping the patient to realize the cause of the disease and how best they can refrain from it. Since stress is prevalence to most CAD patients, one of