TECHNOLOGY IN THE MEDICAL FIELD: FOCUSING ON CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE Lea Anne Cape Dr. Guenzel ENC March 26, 2014

MAIN IDEAS:  “Coronary heart disease [cardiovascular disease] occurs when the coronary arteries which deliver oxygen to the heart muscle become narrowed or blocked as a result of the build up of fat/cholesterol within the artery wall.” (Southern Cross).  How has technology helped to prevent CVD?  What technology is used to treat CVD?  What is the disadvantaged of that technology?

PERSPECTIVES  Markers/Indicators  Treatment  Disadvantages

MARKERS/INDICATORS:  Blood pressure in the prehypertensive classification (blood pressure falling between 120/80 and 130/89) (Stutter Health)  Total cholesterol that is above 200 mg/dl (Stutter Health)  “Excess weight taxes your heart, raises blood pressure, cholesterol and triglyceride levels while lowering good cholesterol levels.” (Stutter Health).  Knowing the markers can lead to prevention.  According to Stutter Health, Cholesterol (HDL, LDL and triglyceride levels), blood pressure, BMI, and blood sugar can be watched in order to prevent or lessen the effects of CVD.  “Eating a healthy, balanced diet, limiting alcohol, not smoking, undertaking regular physical exercise…maintaining a healthy body weight, maintaining healthy blood cholesterol levels, effectively treating medical conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure” (Southern Cross).

TREATMENT  “Depending on test results, various treatment options will be considered. Treatment may include medication, coronary angioplasty (with or without coronary artery stenting), or coronary artery bypass surgery (sometimes abbreviated to CABG). Treatment is aimed at reducing or eliminating symptoms and reducing the risk of having a heart attack.” (Southern Cross) Fig. 1 Coronary Angioplasty (ADAM)

DISADVANTAGES  “In 2010, the total costs of cardiovascular diseases in the United States were estimated to be $444 billion. Treatment of these diseases accounts for about $1 of every $6 spent on health care in this country.” (“Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention.”). Source: "Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 21 July Web. 24 Mar

WORKS CITED ADAM. "Coronary Artery Balloon Angioplasty - Series." Coronary Artery Balloon Angioplasty - Series. ADAM, 20 May Web. 25 Mar Cross, Southern. "Coronary Heart Disease - Causes, Symptoms, Prevention." Coronary Heart Disease - Causes, Symptoms, Prevention. Southern Cross Healthcare Group, 26 June Web. 24 Mar "Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 21 July Web. 24 Mar Health, Stutter. "Heart Disease Risk Factors." MyLifeStages: Health and Wellness. Stutter Health, n.d. Web. 23 Mar