You will select 1 out of the 3 topics below to complete your final project. I would highly suggest you choose a topic that has impacted your life – maybe a loved one has diabetes or a form of cancer, you’ve lost a family friend who had heart disease, etc. This way the project has more meaning to you.
1) Heart Disease – you can cover all forms of heart disease or you can focus on only 1 specific type such as Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
2) Cancer – you can cover all forms of cancer or you can focus on only 1 specific type of cancer such as Breast Cancer.
3) Diabetes – you can cover all 3 types of diabetes or you can focus on only 1 specific type such as Type 1.
Make sure to look over the grading rubric/criteria for this assignment below – you will be graded based on what is outlined below.
(I choose option number one.)
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
For my final project, I have chosen to focus on Heart Disease, specifically Coronary Artery Disease (CAD). This topic holds personal significance to me as I have seen the impact it can have on individuals and their loved ones. Heart disease is a leading cause of death worldwide and understanding CAD is crucial in order to prevent and manage this condition effectively. In this project, I will explore the causes, risk factors, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of CAD, providing a comprehensive overview of this prevalent form of heart disease.
Answer to Content:
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is a specific type of heart disease that affects the coronary arteries. These arteries supply oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle. When they become narrow or blocked due to the buildup of fatty deposits called plaque, it leads to CAD.
There are several risk factors associated with CAD, including smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, diabetes, obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, and a family history of heart disease. These risk factors can be modified, and lifestyle changes play a crucial role in preventing CAD.
Diagnosing CAD involves a combination of medical history evaluation, physical exams, and diagnostic tests. Symptoms such as chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, and fatigue are often indicators of CAD. Tests like electrocardiogram (ECG), stress tests, and coronary angiography help in confirming the diagnosis.
Treatment for CAD aims to relieve symptoms, prevent complications, and reduce the risk of further events such as heart attacks. Lifestyle modifications like quitting smoking, adopting a healthy diet, regular exercise, and weight management are the foundation of CAD management. Medications such as statins, aspirin, beta-blockers, and ACE inhibitors may be prescribed to control blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and to reduce the risk of blood clots. In some cases, invasive procedures like angioplasty and stenting or coronary artery bypass surgery may be required to restore blood flow to the heart.
Preventing CAD involves reducing modifiable risk factors and promoting heart-healthy habits from an early age. Encouraging individuals to make healthy lifestyle choices, engaging in regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, managing stress, and controlling blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels are key preventive measures.
In conclusion, CAD is a significant form of heart disease that requires a comprehensive understanding for effective prevention and management. By addressing its causes, risk factors, diagnosis, treatment options, and prevention strategies, healthcare professionals can play a vital role in reducing the burden of CAD and improving patient outcomes.
