Introduction
Approximately 40,000 deaths among women are reported annually in the United States, indicating that the disease claims many lives (CDC, 2022). The lack of information about viable prevention and treatment interventions is the major problem leading to increased health disorders among women. Approximately 59% of black women aged 20 and older have heart disease, indicating that half of the total population of women of color is at risk of cardiovascular mortality (GoRed, 2023b). Other risk factors, such as diet, lifestyle, and mental health issues, significantly contribute to heart disease among women. This research paper highlights the trends in heart disease among women with knowledge about heart disorders compared to those without information about the health issue, and how creating awareness about heart disorders can help women.
Statement of the Problem
Heart disease is a serious public health issue in the United States and one of the top causes of mortality. Unfortunately, greater rates of heart disease have been observed in some demographic groups due to disparities in awareness of heart disease (Mehta et al., 2022). The reason for this is that only 33% of black women are aware that pain that spreads from the neck to the shoulder and arms could be a symptom of a heart attack, implying that 67% of the population is still unaware of heart diseases (GoRed, 2023b). The causes of these illnesses can be prevented, considering that they include dysfunctional lifestyle habits, including smoking, obesity, physical inactivity, and depression, as depicted in Figure 1 below (Mehta et al., 2022). The lack of proper access to healthcare, educational resources, and awareness of heart disease risk puts these women at risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
A holistic approach that will increase this population’s access to healthcare, education, and information about the causes, symptoms, and prevention of cardiovascular disease is the viable solution to eradicate heart disease among women. The reason is that some causes of heart illnesses are not easily detected. As highlighted in Figure 1 above, nontraditional causes such as psychosocial stress, autoimmune diseases, and pregnancy complications can cause cardiovascular problems, and those triggers are usually ignored (Mehta et al., 2022). Therefore, equalizing access to healthcare and education is an area that needs more attention (Mehta et al., 2022). In addition, more research is required to determine what factors contribute to the disproportionately high prevalence of heart disease among black women who have not received adequate health education.
PICOT Question
How do Black women with no prior education about heart disease compare to women who have received education, on average, in terms of their health status?
Background
Various issues, including poor lifestyle practices and comorbid diseases, have been actively cited to promote cardiovascular diseases. However, the issue of psychoeducation and its relation to heart disease remains poorly explored. Still, prior studies have highlighted that low patient education results in high cardiovascular diseases, considering that most of them lack the knowledge about the signs to watch out for and risk factors associated with the illness (Woodward, 2019). Additionally, women with primary education about cardiovascular illnesses have a better health status. Therefore, this research aims to highlight how women with prior knowledge of heart disease fare in health status compared to their counterparts who have no previous understanding of that specific illness in the past two decades.
History of the Issue
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) continues to be a significant problem for American women despite recent medical advances. Heart disease was the primary killer of black women in the early 1900s (Woodward, 2019). The reason is that there was limited understanding of the disease and its origins.
Additionally, options for both prevention and treatment were restricted due to inadequate information about the health issue. However, in the mid-to-late 1900s, medical technology and research improved awareness about cardiovascular disease (Woodward, 2019). This improvement was due to the awareness created through various health campaigns in the present century, compared to the previous decades when information about the illness was scarce.
Current Data on the Issue
Information about heart disease among women is not saturated, resulting in a significant mortality rate among this population. The reason is that the leading cause of death for women in the United States in 2020 was heart disease, with an estimated 314,186 female deaths reported (CDC, 2022). Half of the population of women of color are affected by CVDs, which indicates that they are more prone to contracting heart disease (GoRed, 2023b). Some other forms of cardiovascular disease that disproportionately affect black women are stroke, heart failure, and peripheral artery disease (CDC, 2022). The most common risk factors for heart disease among black women include high blood pressure, stroke, high cholesterol, obesity, physical inactivity, smoking, and a family history of cardiovascular disease.
Heart diseases present themselves through various symptoms, including cardiomyopathy, atrial fibrillation, and Heart failure, through comorbid illnesses and issues associated with Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). According to Podvorica et al. (2021), cardiomyopathy is one of the heart complications experienced by women. In Figure 2 above, Podvorica et al. (2021) revealed that cardiomyopathy is the leading heart issue experienced by women at 37%.
In the picture, the author illustrates that heart diseases can also be triggered by other co-occurring illnesses, such as hypertension, leading by 40%, meaning that comorbid diseases are pertinent in enhancing the risk of heart disorders (Podvorica et al., 2021). Complications after heart disease treatment are another issue that increases the chances of heart complications, at 10% (Podvorica et al., 2021). Other heart conditions, such as atrial fibrillation and heart failure, influence more heart complications, resulting in significant consequences.
Current Organizational Practice or Activity
The Go Red for Women movement has significantly decreased the prevalence of cardiovascular disease among women over the past two decades. The American Heart Association has been at the forefront of this movement to promote heart health through advocacy, education, and greater public awareness (GoRed, 2023a). With the help of Go Red for Women, there is now a culture of encouragement and backing for women to prioritize their health.
The success of Go Red for Women can be measured by assessing the rise in the percentage of women who get screened for heart disease and consult a doctor about their symptoms (GoRed, 2023a). Additionally, it has contributed to a decrease in high-risk activities like smoking and inactivity. It has also brought attention to the fact that women are particularly vulnerable to cardiovascular disease and stroke due to hereditary and lifestyle factors.
Proposed Interventions and Implementations
One of the fundamental interventions for heart disease is creating awareness. Therefore, as part of my practicum, I would focus on educating women who need to be more informed about heart disease, the complications associated with the illness, and prevention strategies. The strategy will focus on a predesigned educational plan aimed at promoting awareness. The program will also be shared through all social platforms to reach a wider audience. The first approach to educating about heart disease is by creating awareness.
The program will also be shared with the general public by sharing information about cardiovascular disease in traditional or contemporary media systems. Some strategies to be used include advertising on traditional media like TV, radio, and newspapers, as well as digital channels like social media, which may be part of these larger campaigns. The efficacy of this intervention will be assessed by examining how the beneficiaries of this psychoeducation fare after the training is completed. An example of a brochure that can be utilized to share information is depicted in Figure 3 below. Such information can be used to educate women about the risk factors of heart disease.
Relevant Nursing Theorist
Ida Jean Orlando, a significant nursing theorist, stresses the importance of patient education in lowering disease rates. Assessment, nursing diagnosis, and evaluation are the three pillars of Orlando’s “Deliberate Nursing Process.” This theory involves training focused on enhancing awareness of a particular illness. As a final step, the nurse conducts an evaluation to assess the efficacy of the interventions (Lopez-Jimenez et al., 2022). This theory supports the perception that people aware of a specific illness will likely have better health outcomes than those who do not (Lopez-Jimenez et al., 2022). I chose this theory since it supports the idea behind the research that women who are less aware of CVDs are more likely to suffer from worse effects of the illness, unlike their counterparts who are more enlightened about the disorder. Therefore, the theory guides the research by suggesting a high probability of low awareness of heart diseases and heart disease.
Literature Review
Method
This review aims to analyze the studies that address how education affects women’s heart health. The method used is primary data analysis, which involves critically examining both primary and secondary data about women’s awareness of heart disease and its influence on their health status (Lopez-Jimenez et al., 2022). The articles’ findings will support the rationale that women who are knowledgeable about heart disorders have better heart health.
Analysis of Literature
A Decade of Lost Ground in Women’s Awareness of Heart Disease Symptoms: A Call to Action
The decline in women’s awareness of heart disease symptoms over the past decade is highlighted in this article. According to the survey results analyzed in this article, women today have a lower awareness of heart disease symptoms compared to women from ten years ago. This ignorance can prove fatal in a population where heart disease is the leading cause of death (American Heart Association, 2020). The reason is that women who are unaware of the signs or the prevention measures of heart disease are two times more likely to suffer from fatal health consequences, unlike their counterparts who are aware of the situation.
The authors conclude that the decreased awareness among women includes a lack of access to health information, limited resources to support health initiatives, and cultural and social norms. They also emphasize the need for better public health initiatives and more targeted education programs to address these disparities. However, they do not include other states across the United States and women under 40 years old. Despite this limitation, the article is integral for this study since it justifies that a lack of awareness of CDVs can have fatal consequences on an individual’s heart health.
A Special Report from the American Heart Association
The authors analyze the survey results provided by the American Heart Association on women’s awareness of health disorders. The authors examine women’s perceptions of CHD over the past decade to see if any trends have emerged. The survey found that women’s knowledge of CHD and its symptoms has decreased over time and remains lower than that of men. As depicted in Figure 4 below, the rate of awareness of heart diseases stands at 43.7% in a 2019 survey in the United States (Cushman et al., 2021). Another finding was that while females are more likely to identify CHD risk factors, they are less likely to comprehend preventative measures.
The report provides significant indicators that information can enhance health access among people. For instance, the authors reveal that women are more likely to seek medical attention if they experience chest pain or shortness of breath (Cushman et al., 2021). However, they are less likely to be aware of treatments or lifestyle changes that can help reduce their risk of CHD (Cushman et al., 2021).
These findings concur with the results from a study done by Harvard Health Publishing (2017), which indicates that women who lack psychoeducation about cardiovascular illnesses are more prone to being affected. Despite the comprehensive paper addressed, the article ignores the economic context of cardiovascular diseases and other factors, such as limited access to care. However, the article is essential for this research since it shows how awareness of heart diseases across different dynamics of women impacts their health status.
Gender Matters: Heart Disease Risk in Women
In this article, the authors use descriptive statistics to explain that cardiovascular disease is more common in men, but this does not imply that women are safe. Diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, and high blood pressure are just a few of the risk factors for heart disease in women that are highlighted in the article (Harvard Health Publishing, 2017). Also discussed are ways to lessen that risk through modifications to one’s way of life through physical activity, maintaining a healthy diet, weight management, and quitting smoking (Harvard Health Publishing, 2017). The authors stress the significance of women getting medical attention if they encounter heart disease symptoms.
Why Are Young Black Women at High Risk for Cardiovascular Disease
Young black women have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, increasing the number of women of color affected by heart disease. The authors posit that genetic predisposition, cultural beliefs, and environmental factors increase risk. This population has higher rates of hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and stress hormones (Kalinowski et al., 2019).
They also note that due to limited healthcare access, black women are less likely to receive cardiovascular disease prevention (Kalinowski et al., 2019). The article is integral for this research since it highlights some obscure contributing factors of heart diseases that other authors ignore. Despite the intensive discussion, the article is limited in many ways, including the fact that it does not provide a concrete solution to address CVD among women, nor does it provide any data or supporting claims about the prevalence.
Heart Disease Risk: How Race and Ethnicity Play a Role
This article discusses how race and ethnicity can have an impact on a person’s risk for heart disease. It states that African Americans are more likely to die from heart disease than any other racial or ethnic group in the United States (Cleveland Clinic, 2022). Additionally, the authors integrate the cultural risk factors inhibiting access to medical care, such as misinformation leading to poor medical choices, and lifestyle issues, such as obesity, which increase the risk of this medical burden.
The authors also highlight racism as a significant influence in creating disparity in health access among black women experiencing heart diseases (Cleveland Clinic, 2022). The article does not provide sufficient data about the role of ethnicity in enhancing the prevalence of CVDs. This article is instrumental in this study, considering that it reveals new aspects of inequality that contribute to the suffering of black women with CVDs.
Discussion of Literature
Most authors address the common theme that awareness about CVDs is associated with better health status among women. It guides better lifestyle habits and helps individuals receive timely care to avoid deterioration. For instance, Cushman et al. (2021) highlight that enlightened women about heart disorders make informed decisions, including when to seek medical treatment and how to adjust after specific medical interventions.
This rationale has reminded me of an experience with patients during our practicum who came seeking medical treatment without an insurance plan. They experienced delayed medical service since they had to be enlightened about what services are covered under Medicaid and which are excluded. This indicates that people can be unaware of critical issues, resulting in detrimental health consequences.
Recommendations for Change
One viable recommendation for reducing the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases among women is to promote awareness. Creating awareness of issues impacting women’s health is an integrated approach to achieving a sustainable community. Women who understand the risks associated with heart disease lead better lives by making rational choices concerning their health (Podvorica et al., 2021). Therefore, awareness of the risks of heart disease among women is essential in enhancing better self-care habits.
Desired Outcomes from Practice Experience
The desired outcomes from practice experience working with women with cardiovascular diseases are to provide the best possible care and support. This involves monitoring their health, giving lifestyle recommendations, and helping them manage and prevent issues. Also, creating a trustworthy relationship with the patient is crucial to ensure they feel comfortable and supported. This includes listening to their concerns and addressing any questions they may have. Ultimately, the goal is to assist women in managing their cardiovascular disease and living happier lives.
Recommendations with Rationales
The theory of the deliberate nursing process is an essential reference when proposing educational campaigns. It supports the rationale that discovering specific medical insights helps inform judgment (Podvorica et al., 2021). Consequently, women should be enlightened on best practices, such as avoiding stressors, living healthy lifestyles, and treating illnesses before they progress, to make rational decisions.
Leadership Support
The intervention, which includes campaigns championing better heart health, requires low finances and support. The reason is that, unlike other interventions involving immunization, creating awareness of a particular issue is a simple task that can be done through various approaches, including traditional advertisement methods, magazines, and brochures (Podvorica et al., 2021). The campaigns can also be done on digital media platforms, including television and social media platforms, to create awareness of the different approaches to avoid the risk of developing heart disease (Podvorica et al., 2021). Therefore, managing this intervention is possible, making it a viable option for creating awareness of the population’s needs.
Final Report on Practicum Experience
During my practicum at the hospital setting for women with heart disease, I observed healthcare professionals working diligently to provide the best care to their patients. I also interacted with patients and their families, which gave me insight into the physical and emotional problems that heart disease can have on someone.
The experience was eye-opening, and I used it to inform my interventions, such as creating awareness and educating the public. In addition, working at the organization made me realize the importance of providing accurate information to those affected to help them make informed decisions. It showed me the power of community in supporting and helping reduce the risk of heart disease.
Logistical Requirements
The time I spent during my practicum at the organization was both an exciting and challenging experience. Logistically, the requirements included attending regular meetings with the staff, conducting research to develop educational programs and materials, and engaging with patients and their families. I was responsible for gathering and organizing relevant data, tracking patient progress, and developing the department’s policies and procedures. Although demanding, it was a rewarding experience that taught me much about enhancing patients’ awareness of illnesses and the demands of working in a hospital setting.
Recruiting, Training, and/or Orientation of Staff
My practicum was an incredibly educational, informative, and rewarding experience. I had enough time in the facility to recruit, train, and orient the staff correctly. My preceptor was extremely helpful and provided invaluable guidance throughout the experience.
To obtain staff’s interest in the topic, I used a combination of printed PowerPoints, posters in the lounge and bathrooms, and interactive activities. I provided a 5-question test and an end-of-presentation survey to ensure staff learned the necessary information. Therefore, my practicum allowed me to learn more about women’s heart health and educate and engage the staff.
Conclusion
Research has indicated that women with prior education on heart diseases progress well in health status compared to their counterparts without knowledge of the disorders. The reason is that they make better judgments and adjustments to ensure that their health is restored online for those unaware of the situation. However, many black women are still unaware of the effects or signs of heart disorders, which makes them prone to getting affected, while increasing the mortality rate in the US. Therefore, educational campaigns to create awareness of the signs, symptoms, and interventions or lifestyle changes are essential to ensure that women access information to improve their heart health care.
References
American Heart Association. (2020). A decade of lost ground in women’s awareness of heart disease symptoms: A call to action. Web.
CDC. (2022). Women and heart disease. Web.
Cleveland Clinic. (2022). Heart Disease Risk: How Race and Ethnicity Play a Role. Cleveland Clinic. Web.
Cushman, M., Shay, C. M., Howard, V. J., Jiménez, M. C., Lewey, J., McSweeney, J. C. (2021). Ten-year differences in women’s awareness related to coronary heart disease: Results of the 2019 American Heart Association National Survey: A special report from the American Heart Association. Circulation, 143(7), e239-e248. Web.
GoRed. (2023a). About heart disease in women. Web.
GoRed. (2023b). Heart Disease and Stroke in Black Women. Web.
Harvard Health Publishing. (2017). Gender matters: Heart disease risk in women – Harvard Health. Web.
Kalinowski, J., Taylor, J. Y., & Spruill, T. M. (2019). Why are young black women at high risk for cardiovascular disease? Circulation, 139(8), 1003-1004. Web.
Mehta, P. K., Gaignard, S., Schwartz, A., & Manson, J. E. (2022). Traditional and emerging sex-specific risk factors for cardiovascular disease in women. Reviews in Cardiovascular Medicine, 23(8), 288. Web.
Podvorica, E., Bekteshi, T., Oruqi, M., & Kalo, I. (2021). Education of the patients living with heart disease. Materia Socio-medica, 33(1), 10. Web.
Lopez-Jimenez, F., Almahmeed, W., Bays, H., Cuevas, A., Di Angelantonio, E., le Roux, C. W., & Wilding, J. P. (2022). Obesity and cardiovascular disease: mechanistic insights and management strategies. A joint position paper by the World Heart Federation and World Obesity Federation. European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, 29(17), 2218-2237. Web.
Woodward, M. (2019). Cardiovascular disease and the female disadvantage. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 16(7), 1165. Web.