Cardiovascular Alterations

The cardiovascular system is paramount to survival, and alterations may arise from

different etiologies (Lopez et al., 2021). These diseases include Angina, Heart failure,

Inflammatory heart disease, NSTEMI, etc.

This paper analyzes the symptoms, treatments, complications, medications, and patient outcomes

related to these diseases.

Considering the importance of the cardiovascular system in oxygen and nutrient transport,

alterations may hamper these functions. Therefore an understanding of these is key to fostering

disease identification and management.

STABLE ANGINA

Description: The short lasting burning, or squeezing feeling in the chest caused by reduction

in coronary perfusion, due to coronary artery disease (CAD). It is usually induced by effort or

activity. (Rousan & Thadani, 2019)

Symptoms:

Chest pain, feeling of heaviness, squeezing or burning sensation, & shortness of breath

Treatments:

– Drug therapy with Beta blockers such as Atenolol, Calcium channel blockers such as

Amlodipine & Verapamil, Nitrates such as Nitroglycerin, and Sodium channel blockers

– Rest and less stressful exercises (Rousan & Thadani, 2019)

Complications:

Unstable angina, Cardiac arrhythmia, Heart attack, Death

Medications:

Atenolol/Bisoprolol, Nitroglycerin or other Nitrates, Amlodipine/Verapamil/Diltiazem,

Ranolazine (Rousan & Thadani, 2019)

Patient Goals/Outcomes:

Reduction in chest pain, improved perfusion, and reduce morbid outcomes

UNSTABLE ANGINA

Description: This is the chest pain that occurs with increased frequency, duration, and

intensity, and can be precipitated even in less stressful situations (Goyal & Zeltser, 2022)

Symptoms: Chest pain which is not relieved by Nitroglycerin or rest, Shortness of breath,

rapid breathing (Goyal & Zeltser, 2022)

Treatments: – Drug therapy with Aspirin or anti-platelet therapy, Nitrates such as

Nitroglycerin, Beta blockers, Calcium channel blockers, Sodium channelblockers

– Rest and less stressful exercises (although this may not relieve unstable angina)

– Oxygen therapy (Goyal & Zeltser, 2022)

Complications: Myocardial infarction, Stroke, Death (Goyal & Zeltser, 2022)

Medications: – Aspirin or anti-platelet therapy – Nitroglycerin to improve perfusion – Beta

blockers like Atenolol, – Calcium channel blockers like Verapamil, – Ranolazine (Sodium

channel blocker) (Goyal & Zeltser, 2022)

Patient Goals/Outcomes: Alleviation of symptom