Other common surgical treatments for coronary artery disease are angioplasties and stents. An angioplasty , also known as a percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), is a common technique for reopening arteries. The physician inserts a catheter that holds an inflatable balloon in the occluded space. Inflation of the balloon breaks up the blockage and restores circulation. In some cases, surgeons place a stent, which is a wire mesh that holds the artery open. In recent years, scientists have developed angioplasties and stents that are coated with medication that keeps the artery open. These drug-coated balloons and drug-eluting stents are safe and effective ways to prevent more occlusions from returning (Mayo Clinic, 2022). Healthcare Consideration: Clinicians must be mindful of signs of rhabdomyolysis in patients on statins. In this condition, muscle cells are so severely damaged that the contents, including myoglobin, spill into the bloodstream. Myoglobin is the aerobic enzyme that accepts oxygen from the hemoglobin in the blood. Myoglobin in the bloodstream can damage the kidneys and interfere with heart function. Other causes of rhabdomyolysis include overexertion, trauma, anorexia, and overuse of some medications (including weight loss supplements and pain killers). Symptoms include swelling, restricted range of motion (ROM), and pain that does not alleviate even when the muscle is relaxed. Urine discoloration is a red flag. A patient experiencing any of these symptoms should stop everything and seek immediate emergency medical One of the indicators of heart and arterial disease is the presence of fibrosis, a type of firm, inflexible scar tissue. The normal cellular matrix is composed of a mixture of proteins that include collagen, fibrin, and elastin. Collagen is very strong but not pliable, so fibrin and elastin are needed to keep the tissue supple. With fibrosis, collagen is the dominant component, leading to tough and rigid tissue. Advancing age, injury, or previous MI can initiate fibrotic buildup. Physicians may diagnose fibrosis using imaging and initiate treatments such as beta blockers or statins (Hinderer & Schenke-Layland, 2019). In arteries, the buildup of calcium can be detected to some extent by age 60 in most people. Excessive calcification results in loss of elasticity in the artery. It is associated with aortic stenosis, hypertension, and congestive heart failure. Persons with kidney disease and/or diabetes are at higher risk. Calcium channel blockers and statins are the most common therapies (Hinderer & Schenke-Layland, 2019). treatment (Cannon, 2022). Fibrosis and calcification Leukocytosis/leukopenia Leukocytosis is an overabundance of leukocytes. An example of this condition is leukemia. Leukocytosis can be fatal because the excessive white cells attack and destroy healthy cells. Leukopenia involves a low number of white blood cells, which leaves an individual more susceptible to infections (Mank et al., 2023). Hypoxia Chronic early onset of fatigue or shortness of breath may be a symptom of low oxygen saturation. This condition requires blood tests and medical diagnosis. Root causes include asthma, anemia, or exposure to some industrial toxins. Physicians determine the cause and course of treatment for patients. Patients at risk of hypoxia may be prescribed supplemental oxygen, which allows them to breathe a gas mixture with a higher concentration of oxygen than the 21% found in the ambient air (Bhutta et al., 2022).
Evidence-Based Literature Atrial fibrillation often accompanies aortic valve disorders, which elevates the risk of thromboembolisms. In addition to addressing the valve damage and arrhythmia, the medical team may attempt to minimize the occurrence of thrombosis by administering anticoagulants or vitamin K antagonists. Recent studies have shown that these two approaches to combating thromboembolism produce similar results (Zhu et al., 2021).
Atherosclerosis Saturated fats and cholesterols may contribute to the buildup of materials that block coronary arteries with fatty, plaque-like material. This can lead to the death of heart muscle tissue and an MI. Too much low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is believed to be a risk factor for atherosclerosis. Other dietary risk factors include saturated and trans fats. Saturated fats are very difficult to break down into usable parts, so they tend to accumulate in the bloodstream. By contrast, unsaturated fats more readily react with enzymes and can be torn down and used for fuel or materials (Basnet et al., 2020). Physicians may attempt to treat the occlusions with statins or other medications. Patients and clinicians should be aware of muscle weakness that can be caused by statins. Additionally, they should watch for signs of bruising if the client is taking anticoagulants (Basnet et al., 2020). Statins are often prescribed to keep cholesterol in check. These drugs block cholesterol production in the liver. Side effects may include weakness, elevated blood sugar, and muscle soreness. A person on statins should avoid extreme exertion during forceful, heavy weightlifting or any other type of excessively intense activities (Basnet et al., 2020). Self-Assessment Quiz Question #8 All of the following statements are true about statins except: a. They are prescribed to keep cholesterol levels in check. b. They block cholesterol production in the kidneys. c. Side effects of statins may include weakness and muscle soreness. d. Extreme exertion should be avoided when a person is on statins. Anemia is a shortage of red blood cells and is often caused by a lack of iron in the diet, long-term lack of sleep, or illness. People with anemia feel fatigued and weak. In severe cases, anemia can be extremely painful as tissues break down because of insufficient oxygen (Durning, 2021). Sickle cell anemia Other cardiovascular conditions Anemia This genetic disorder causes cells to form in a smaller shape, which reduces their capacity to carry oxygen. The name comes from the cells being shaped like the farming tool (Durning, 2021). Pernicious anemia This is a specific anemia caused by lack of vitamin B12 absorption (Durning, 2021).
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Book Code: MLA1225
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