Introduction
The case describes a 69-year-old male, Mr. Russel, who complained of heart palpitations and dizziness. Also, he has suffered from hypertension and taken HCTZ. Several laboratory tests were carried out, and the results were satisfactory. The main goals of this paper are to develop a pharmacological plan and discuss educational aspects pertinent to the case.
Treatment Goals and Plan
Heart palpitations might be caused by different conditions. In most cases, they do not lead to serious complications and disappear without consequences (Beckerman, 2017). Often no treatment is needed. Therefore, the main treatment goal is to avoid palpitation triggers. Also, it is necessary to focus on the possible underlying disease that causes the symptoms. Laboratory tests did not reveal any abnormalities. The normal level of blood sodium varies from 135 to 145 mEq/L (“Normal values,” n.d.) The patient has 143mEq/L. A normal range for chloride is 98-106 mmol/L (“Normal values,” n.d.). The patient has 99 mmol/L. The normal blood urea nitrogen level is 7-18 mg/dL (“Normal values,” n.d.). The patient has 18 mg/dL. Finally, the normal hemoglobin level for males is 13.8-17.5 g/dl (“Normal values,” n.d.). The patient has 15 g/dl. However, the pharmacological plan should include ACE inhibitors and antianxiety medications.
ACE inhibitors are necessary to open and dilate arteries. It will reduce blood pressure and enhance kidney function. Such improvements lower the risk of heart palpitations. Some of the recommended medications include Enalapril maleate and Fosinopril sodium. Due to the patient’s hypertension, these drugs are necessary. However, he should stop taking HCTZ as it does not help to reduce the symptoms. Antianxiety medications will help the patient to relax. Anxiety might also cause heart palpitations. However, it is necessary to take such drugs only in case of serious anxiety. They might include Lorazepam and Alprazolam. Also, the patient should stop taking these medications if they do not reduce palpitations.
Education Points
It is necessary to note several key patient education points. First, Mr. Russel should ease anxiety and stress. Some of the most effective methods include physical activities, aromatherapy, reading, and listening to classical music. Second, he should cut out certain products such as caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine. Third, it is also necessary to avoid cough or cold drugs and some specific supplements. Fourth, the patient must not take any other medications without consulting with his doctor. Fifth, Mr. Russel needs to keep a diary of the occurrence or exacerbation of symptoms. Usually, heart palpitations occur regularly, thus it is necessary to keep track of the development and intensification of this problem. The patient should write down information about the food he eats, exercises, or activities he performs, and general condition before the occurrence of symptoms. This diary might help to diagnose the underlying disease.
Patient Origin
The origin of the patient is also very important as it might help to determine his background. The patient experience might require applying specific educational approaches. Different factors are relevant to different ethnic groups. For example, according to official statistics, “African American adults are nearly 1.5 times as likely to be obese compared with White adults” (“Current status,” n.d., para.1). Obesity also increases the risk of the development of heart palpitations. Therefore, if the patient is African American, it will be necessary to focus more on diet restrictions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, heart palpitations often do not require any special treatment. However, it is necessary to pay particular attention to the lifestyle of the patient. Physical activities and an appropriate diet are the key factors that can reduce chances for the development of such symptoms.
References
Beckerman, J. (2017). Heart palpitations. Web.
Current status. (n.d.). Web.
Normal values. (n.d.). Web.