Cardiac health affects overall well-being and often indicates a healthy body. In fact, heart disease is one of the most pressing health issues affecting U.S. citizens. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease is the leading cause of death among all genders and most racial and ethnic groups in the country.
Nurses must understand the importance of cardiac health and how it affects other elements of patient health. Graduates of the online Post-Master’s Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program from Northern Kentucky University (NKU) gain the advanced skills and knowledge to improve patients’ cardiac health.
In nursing, there has been a recent return to focus more on cardiac health and ways nurses can support patients in preventing heart disease. Below are some reasons for this renewed focus on cardiac health.
Understanding Heart Disease
Hypertension is a leading cause of coronary heart disease and affects almost half of U.S. adults, notes HealthLeaders. Many people are unaware they even have high blood pressure. However, uncontrolled hypertension can significantly increase the risk of morbidity and mortality as well as health conditions such as stroke, kidney disease and pregnancy complications. Individuals with poorly managed hypertension may also develop heart failure due to abnormalities in systolic and diastolic function.
Besides hypertension, a Sigma article lists the following as other risk factors for heart failure are:
- Diabetes
- Age
- Atrial fibrillation
- Obesity
- Hypothyroidism
- Underlying connective tissue disease
- Illicit drug use
Nurse-led Quality Improvement
The Sigma article also notes that because of the substantial impact hypertension has on healthcare costs and individual and public health, the U.S. Surgeon General issued a Call to Action to Control Hypertension in 2020 to stem the rise in uncontrolled blood pressure. In response, nurse leaders from nearly a dozen national organizations formed a work group, reviewed current research and responded with recommendations for improving hypertension control and cardiac health.
Authors of the Sigma article also emphasize how “evidence-based interventions exist for nurses to lead efforts to prevent and control hypertension, thus preventing much cardiovascular disease.” The authors add that “nurses can take actions in their communities, their healthcare setting, and their organization to translate these interventions into real-world practice settings.”
Some evidence-based interventions they suggest nurses incorporate into practice are:
- Measure blood pressure accurately
- Assess and address social determinants of health and mental health
- Provide health coaching
In addition, the group identifies specific actions that advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) can take to prevent and manage hypertension. They include diagnosing the condition, intensifying treatment when indicated and assessing cardiovascular risk. The group also recommends that nursing schools cover accurate blood pressure measurements at several points in the curricula.
Schools should ensure that nurses — from bedside nurses to APRNs — can teach patients about self-measured blood pressure and healthy lifestyle habits that reduce cardiovascular risk. Through courses like Quality Improvement Strategies, NKU’s online Post-Master’s DNP program helps graduates understand how to incorporate these methods throughout the care process.
What Are Some Preparation Initiatives for Cardiac Nurses?
With concerns over cardiovascular health growing, the medical community has begun looking for other ways to combat hypertension and heart failure. Besides focusing on preventive care, some organizations use a nurse-led multidisciplinary team management model, creating positions for heart failure specialist nurses. In this dedicated role, nurses manage and support heart failure patients, developing tailored care and interventions to optimize their quality of life and outcomes.
According to Nursing Times, specialist nurses work closely with the primary care team to strengthen collaboration and communication and ensure patients have sufficient support to navigate the diagnosis.
What Is the Treatment for Coronary Heart Disease?
Treatment for coronary heart disease aims to manage symptoms, reduce the risk of complications and slow or stop the progression of the disease. Treatment is usually multifaceted and may involve a combination of lifestyle changes, medications and medical procedures, including coronary artery bypass graft surgery or percutaneous coronary intervention, notes an article from the journal “Patient Education and Counseling.”
While recommended therapies can improve well-being and reduce associated symptoms like angina or anxiety, individuals with coronary heart disease remain at elevated risk of complications, hospital readmissions and death.
As the medical community learns more about heart disease, the approach to quality cardiac care is shifting. Graduates of NKU’s online Post-Master’s DNP program are prepared to take roles such as chief nursing officer, chief health information officer, and chief clinical officer — all positions that play a significant part in enforcing effective care initiatives. Through advanced technology, training initiatives, evidence-based interventions and specialized roles, nurses with advanced degrees and training are proactively mitigating patients’ heart-related issues.
Learn more about NKU’s online Post-Master’s DNP program.
