Week 4 Homework

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human-heart-granger

I found an article published in January that reported on a study linking psychosocial well-being to cardiovascular health: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/287802.php

The study looked at the cardiovascular health of a large group of people. There was an initial study done when the group was in their childhood, and another 27 years later. The first study assessed their psychosocial situation at home and school, while the second assessed their cardiovascular health and lifestyle factors when they were grown up. Remarkably, children with stressful and unstable childhoods were more likely to have cardiovascular problems when they were grown up.

I think findings like this are important because it helps medical professionals to remember the importance of developmental factors and how it may impact future health. As a student nurse, I’ve learned a lot about the education provided to adolescents and adults when it comes to cardiovascular health, but I’ve not seen anything like this. Technology and medicine aimed at improving cardiovascular health are common here in America, but it’s important to remember that the best prevention and care can really begin at home in a stable environment. While this study is not indicative of ALL children and their psychosocial development, providing a good upbringing and a less stressful lifestyle for your kids will not only improve their psychosocial development, but will ultimately benefit their future health too.

Cardiac Health Procedure

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I chose to look up information on the use of vascular closure devices (Angio-Seal) versus the use of manual pressure following a percutaneous coronary intervention or a CATH procedure. This is a discussion that I had in clinical recently with Lisa. We discussed the use of the Angio-Seal and how it isn’t seen as often. I believe it is preference of the Doctor doing the procedure. According to Gregory, Midodzi, and Pearce (2013) there has been conflicting data about whether the VCD’s decrease, increase, or do not alter the risk of access site complications. The authors had 11, 897 participants. 7, 063 participants received an angio-seal VCD and 4, 834 did not. There were two samples; in the CATH sample 4,845 received a VCD and 4, 030 did not. In the PCI sample, 804 did not receive a VCD and 2, 218 did receive a VCD. Vascular complications rates were lower with both sample groups with the use of VCD. The authors found that the use of VCDs have been associated with earlier ambulation and improved comfort. However, manual compression has been the “gold” standard for 60 years and remains a controversy in whether or not there is any more of a benefit with the use of VCDs. Overall, a low incidence of vascular complications were observed with the use of VCD (angio-seal) in comparison to manual compression (Gregory, Midodzi, & Pearce, 2013).

I found this article interesting and will look further into more research. Because of patient privacy I have chosen not to talk about my situation in clinical with an Angio-Seal versus manual compression.

References

Gregory, D., Midodzi, W., & Pearce, N. (2013). Complicaitons with Angio-Seal vasuclar closure devices compared with manual compression after diagnostic cardiac catheterization and percutaneous coronary intervention. Journal of Interventional Cardiology , 26 (6), 630-638.