Abstract
Myocardial infarction (MI) has been the leading cause of death in different parts of the globe. More American women have continued to record various symptoms associated with heart disease. This discussion gives a detailed analysis of the prevalence of MI among women. The major preventative measures for controlling the condition are also outlined. The benefits of the Obama Care Law are also discussed.
Introduction
Myocardial infarction (MI) is “a disease that occurs when some heart muscles are damaged due to lack of blood flow” (Sharma & Gulati, 2013, p. 2). The other common names for MI include heart attack and acute myocardial infarction (AMI). This condition is characterized by symptoms such as chest pain and discomfort. Sharma and Gulati (2013) indicate that discomfort can be experienced in different parts of the body such as the jaws, arms, and shoulders. Symptoms such as tiredness, nausea, shortness of breath, and fainting are also common. Mosca, Barrett-Connor, and Wenger (2011) argue that women have higher chances of getting this condition.
Overview of Women’s Health About Myocardial Infarction
Since 1984, more women have been affected by cardiovascular disease than men (Women & Cardiovascular Diseases, 2016). However, new measures have been put in place to reduce this mortality rate. Some of the measures undertaken include awareness and effective use of evidence-based practices (Sharma & Gulati, 2013). As well, studies have explored the existence of gender-specific differences in the development, presentation, pathophysiology, and health outcome associated with AMI. That being the case, physicians have been examining the symptoms and pathophysiological mechanisms associated with this condition in women. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), around 6.6 million women in the United States have heart disease (Women & Cardiovascular Diseases, 2016). Around 2.6 million women have also been observed to have a history of AMI attacks. Statistics presented by the AHA also indicate “that around 26 percent of older women who have had initial recognized heart attack die within one year” (Women & Cardiovascular Diseases, 2016, para. 5). These statistics explain why new interventions and approaches are needed to support the health needs of women.
Implications for the High Mortality Rate
Studies conducted within the past three decades have indicated that more women have died due to the prevalence of myocardial infarction (MI). This knowledge should be used to present diverse concepts and ideas in an attempt to deal with the condition. Since 1997, heart disease has remained one of the leading causes of death (Grove et al., 2012). The AHA launched a powerful campaign in 1997 to sensitize more women about the prevalence of this disease (Mosca et al., 2011). This mortality rate explains why new campaigns are needed to deal with the condition.
New studies should be conducted to identify women who have higher chances of developing the disease. Such studies will present better strategies and evidence-based approaches that can be used to monitor the condition. Proper treatment regimes and disease management practices will make it possible for more women to access quality care (Women & Cardiovascular Diseases, 2016). These approaches will eventually reduce the current mortality rate associated with AMI.
Continued research will also outline new recommendations for preventing cardiovascular disease in women (Mosca et al., 2011). Women who are at risk of developing AMI should have access to preventative care. Scholars can use these statistics to design effective clinical trials for AMI. Such trials will present new insights and strategies that can support the health needs of more women.
Nurse Education Related to Heart Disease Prevention
Nurse practitioners (NPs) should use different competencies to educate their clients about the best methods to prevent heart disease. They should also embrace the power of nurse education (NE) to inform more women about the dangers of cardiovascular disease (Grove, Burns, & Gray, 2012). The important fact is that MI and other related heart conditions can be controlled using a wide range of preventative measures (Heart Attack Symptoms in Women, 2016). Caregivers should also use powerful educational plans and campaigns to sensitize more people about such preventative methods.
NPS can use effective campaigns to educate more people about the importance of positive lifestyle changes. Patients can also engage in various exercises and positive lifestyles (Grove et al., 2012). Exercises have the potential to minimize the chances of getting various terminal conditions. Balanced diets should be considered whenever presenting a specific NE program to the targeted population (Grove et al., 2012). As well, the education program should focus on the health needs of the wider society. Restaurants, cafeterias, and hotels should also be encouraged to serve healthy foods (Grove et al., 2012). Public health specialists should be involved in the program to promote the best policies. New management plans should also be designed to deal with this condition.
Nurse education should be used to ensure more people are informed about the benefits of various prevention measures. For example, medicines such as aspirin have the potential to reduce the chances of developing the condition (Grove et al., 2012). Some drugs have been observed to lower the level of cholesterol in the body. Sharma and Gulati (2013) encourage nurse educators (NEs) to embrace the power of hormone replacement therapy (HRT). This therapy is used to control the condition in women. This therapy can be used to address the health needs of elderly women (Mosca et al., 2011). Heart attacks can “cause death if there is no immediate support or care” (Mosca et al., 2011, p. 2151). Nitrates should be taken for three to four days after an attack. Such medicines have been found to reduce most of the complications associated with the condition (Mosca et al., 2011).
Impact of Obama Care
According to proponents of the Obama Care Health Law (also called the Affordable Care Act), more women in America are now getting quality preventative support. The Obama Care Health Law makes it easier for women to purchase appropriate health insurance (Murdock, 2012). The Act also offers powerful preventive services that can support the health needs of more women. For instance, women will have access to various services that have the potential to save lives. Some of these services include counseling, pap smears, heart disease screening, and cancer management (Murdock, 2012). Since more women have access to different preventative services, the country will be able to achieve its health goals. The Obama Care law is therefore essential towards supporting the health needs and expectations of more women in America.
Addressing MI as a Future Nurse
As a future nurse, I will use my competencies and skills to address the problem of myocardial infarction in women. My nursing philosophy will be guided by the three roles of a healthcare provider. The first role is being a leading provider of quality care. The second role is being a manager and coordinator of effective medical care. The third role is being “a pioneer and member of the nursing profession” (Grove et al., 2012, p. 65). That being the case, I will always support the health needs of women who are affected by MI. The best treatment approach should promote appropriate disease management plans. I will also offer effective telemetry services to my patients. It will be my obligation to avail supplemental oxygen to every affected client.
Proper disease management will be achieved through constant collaboration with different stakeholders. Family members, patients, caregivers, public health practitioners, and nurses will be encouraged to work together to address this condition (Mosca et al., 2011). I will also be part of the nursing fraternity. I will promote evidence-based concepts that have the potential to support the needs of more women. Individuals at risk of MI will be guided and supported to achieve their health goals.
Conclusion
Myocardial infarction (MI) is a serious condition that affects the welfare of many women in different parts of the globe (Heart Attack Symptoms in Women, 2016). Effective preventative measures can be used to reduce the mortality rate associated with this condition. Nurses and caregivers should use evidence-based ideas to support the needs of more women. Politicians should also present new policies to address the health issues affecting many American women. Health workers and community members should be empowered to deal with myocardial infarction. Effective disease management plans will make it easier for more women to deal with this condition.
Reference List
Grove, S., Burns, N., & Gray, J. (2012). The Practice of Nursing Research: Appraisal, Synthesis, and Generation of Evidence. New York, NY: Saunders.
Heart Attack Symptoms in Women. (2016). Web.
Mosca, L., Barrett-Connor, E., & Wenger, N. (2011). Sex/Gender Differences in Cardiovascular Disease Prevention: What a Difference a Decade Makes. Circulation, 124(1), 2145-2154.
Murdock, K. (2012). Affordable Care Act: Obamacare. New York, NY: GRIN Verlag.
Sharma, K., & Gulati, M. (2013). Coronary Artery Disease in Women: A 2013 Update. Global Heart, 1(1), 1-8.
Women & Cardiovascular Diseases. (2016). Web.