References

Coronary Artery Disease. (2013, March

12).
In Centers for disease
control and prevention.
Retrieved August 6, 2014, from
http://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/
coronary_ad.htm

Nursing Diagnoses
1. Acute pain related to
myocardial blood flow as
evidenced by reports of
pain. Desired outcome is a
report in decreased
episodes of angina pain.
2. Anxiety related to
situational crisis as
evidenced by fear of death.
Desired outcome is to
demonstrate coping skills to
relieve anxiety.
3. Knowledge deficit related to
unfamiliarity with
information as evidenced by
request for information.
Desired outcome is to
verbalize understanding of
condition, signs, and
symptoms.

Fang, J., Shaw, K. M., & Keenan, N. L.

(2011, October 14). Prevalence
of coronary heart disease --United States, 2006-2010. In Centers for disease
control and prevention.
Retrieved August 6, 2014, from
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/previe
w/mmwrhtml/mm6040a1.htm
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2014, April 12).
Coronary artery disease. In Mayo
Clinic. Retrieved August 6, 2014,
from
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseas
es-conditions/coronary-arterydisease/basics/complications/con
-20032038
Ladwig, G. B., & Ackley, B. J. (2014).
Guide to nursing diagnosis (4th
ed.). Maryland Heights, MO:
Elsevier Saunders

CORONA
RY
ARTERY
DISEASE

CORONARY
ARTERY
DISEASE

CAD

Clinical Manifestations
Angina is the most common
manifestation. This produces chest
pain or discomfort with activity.
Stable angina can be relieved with
rest while unstable angina persists
(CDC, 2013).

Coronary arteries
send your heart
needed blood and
oxygen
CAD is caused when increased
amounts of plague and
inflammation produce a narrowing
of the coronary artery and diminish
the amount of blood and oxygen to
parts of the heart muscle. This can
cause irreversible damage to the
hearts muscle and death to the
muscle.
Causes of CAD are smoking, high
blood pressure, high cholesterol
levels, diabetes, cancer, and living
a sedentary lifestyle. Genetic
factors also play an important role.
Other risk factors include obesity,
diabetes, age, gender, and high
stress
(Mayo Clinic, 2014)

Heart attack is sometimes the first

sign for some that they have CAD.
This occurs when plaque causes
total blockage of the coronary
artery. May also be caused when a
piece of plaque breaks off and
blocks blood flow (CDC, 2013).
Certain tests can be performed to
determine if there is a blockage or
narrowing of the artery. They
include:
-

ECG
Troponin blood test
Echocardiogram
Cardiac MRI
Stress test
Cardiac heart
catheterization

(CDC, 2013)

Complications
Angina can cause discomfort and
shortness of breath
Heart attack can cause death to
heart muscle leading to heart
failure or death.

Lifespan and Cultural

Considerations
Incidence of CAD is greatest in the
age group of 65 and up (19.8%).
The age group of 45-64 has an
incidence rate of 7.1% followed by
the age group of 18-44 at 1.2%.
(Fang, para.5)
CAD was found to be more common
among American Indians/Alaska
Natives (11.6%), followed by blacks
(6.5%), Hispanics (6.1%), whites
(5.8%), and Asians or Native
Hawaiians/Other Pacific Islanders
(3.9%) (Fang, para. 5)