Causes of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) Narrowing and hardening of the arterial lumen resulting in decreased coronary blood flow and decreased delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the myocardium.

Incidence: Most common type of heart disease and the leading cause of death for both men and women in the U.S.

Onset: Can start in childhood and progress with age.

Etiology: Build up of fatty fibrous plaque or calcium plaque deposits on the inner walls of the coronary arteries causes atherosclerosis (thickening and hardening of the inner walls of coronary arteries).

Clinical Findings:The most common symptom is angina, though some individuals remain asymptomatic.

Nursing Focus
■ Monitor vital signs and document response to prescribed therapies.
■ Monitor and maintain cardiopulmonary function and enhance myocardial perfusion by implementing prescribed therapies.
■ Document nursing and medical interventions and their outcomes.

Patient Teaching
■ Provide Pt and family with literature about CAD.
■ Explain lifestyle modifications necessary to control CAD.
■ Review dietary restrictions and stress importance of reading food labels to avoid foods high in sodium, saturated fats, trans fats, and cholesterol.
■ Explain the actions, dosages, side effects, and adverse reactions of prescribed meds.
■ Provide information about the resumption of sexual activity acceptable for the Pt’s medical condition.
■ If surgery is to be performed, provide preoperative teaching to prepare Pt and family for the procedure, the ICU, postoperative care, and cardiac rehabilitation.