Lesson 10

CORONARY ARTERIAL DISEASE (ATHEROSCLEROSIS / ARTERIOSCLEROSIS)

CONTENTS

I. Introduction and Physiology of HF

II. Assessment
a. Risk Factors / Predisposing Conditions
b. Clinical Manifestations
c. Diagnostic Examination/ Laboratory Tests
III. Treatment
IV. Nursing Intervention/Goals
V. Self Test / Self Directed Learning / Critical Thinking Drill
VI. References/Further Readings

I. Introduction
 Atherosclerosis: characterized by formation of plaque in the lumen of the vessel
 Arteriosclerosis: the most common disease of the arteries. It means hardening of the arteries.
 Process is slow; there is generally no evidence of problems until a major artery is affected and
there is a significant decrease in blood supply to tissue supplied by the artery involved.
 Arteries commonly affected by atherosclerosis and ensuing problems.
a. Coronary arteries – Myocardial infarction
b. Cerebrovascular arteries – CVA
c. Aorta – Aneurysm, Peripheral occlusive disease
d. Renal artery – hypertension and renal failure
e. Peripheral arteries – Peripheral vascular disease

II. Assessment

A. Risk Factors
a. Diet high in saturated fats (cholesterol)
b. Smoking
c. Obesity
d. Sedentary lifestyle
e. Stress
f. Familial tendencies
 g. Age
h. Gender
i. Diabetes
j. Hypertension

B. Clinical Manifestations: depends on the artery involved

C. Diagnosis: Lipid Panel laboratory (Cholesterol, Triglycerides, LDL, HDL)

III. Treatment
a. Decrease cholesterol in diet
b. Decrease risk factors (exercise, stop smoking, decrease weight and stress
c. Antihyperlipidemic medication (Simvastatin)
d. Vascular surgery

IV. Nursing Intervention

Goal No. 1: To identify individuals at high-risk

Goal No. 2: To alter diet as indicated; decrease food intake of foods rich in fat and cholesterol