NR 603 Week 3 Case Discussion: Cardiovascular
What leads demonstrate the ST depression?
Lorene demonstrates ST depression dispersed throughout the EKG. Specifically, the depression is exhibited in leads I, II, V4, V5, a slight depression in aVF, and V6. There is also an ST elevation in aVR. The EKG shows signs of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). An EKG for ACS will show ST depression in six or more leads, most significant in leads V4 to V6, particularly when related with inverted T waves and ST elevation in lead aVR. These EKG changes should warrant importantnce for urgent, aggressive evaluation because of the high probability of severe angiographic coronary artery disease (Nikus et al., 2014) . Is Lorene Hypertensive per ACA 2017 Guidelines? Compare the ACA guidelines to JNC 8 guidelines and discuss what treatment you recommend for her BP and why?
According to the American College of Cardiology (ACC), Lorene’s blood pressure, which is 146/90, would place her in stage II hypertension (HTN). The ACC definitions of stage II is systolic greater than or equal to 140 or diastolic greater than or equal to 90. Her blood pressure numbers falls within the guidelines recommendations (Whelton, Carey, & Aronow, 2018) . The ACA and JNC 8 guidelines report the difference in opinions about the blood pressure
parameters. According to ACA normal blood pressure is systolic less than 120 mm Hg and diastolic less than 80 mm Hg. HTN stage 1 systolic BP (SBP) is 130-139 mm Hg or diastolic BP (DBP) 80-89 mm Hg, and HTN stage 2 SBP greater than or equal to 140 mm Hg or DBP greater than or equal to 140 mm Hg or DBP greater than or equal to 90 mm Hg (Whelton, Carey, & Aronow, 2018).
The JNC 8 recommendation is high blood pressure goals and to use fewer medications. The guidelines also factor in the SBP and DBP with age and comorbidity-specific treatment. For example, a patient who is 60 years old without diabetes (ADA) or chronic kidney disease (CKD),
the blood pressure goal is to be less than 150/90 mm Hg. In younger patients and patients who is 60 with a history of ADA and CKD, the goal for blood pressure is less than 140/90 mm Hg. The ACA is a stricter guideline, recommending lowering numbers no matter what comorbidities that patient has (American Family Physician, 2014) . After reviewing the two guidelines, a slower method of controlling blood pressure will be
adopted. Lorene is considered obese. She has hypertension , metabolic Syndrome, and dyslipidemia. She also had a history of gestational diabetes, and her current A1c is elevated at 6.4%. With her current ST changes, Lorene’s blood pressure will need to be lowered. However, starting aggressive treatment is not ideal, and she may feel the effects of lowering her BP to quickly. Lorene needs to go back on medications. However, her belief about controlling her BP with diet and exercise is correct and will be adopted in her treatment plan mentioned later in this case study response. What is the primary diagnosis causing Lorene’s chest pain? Include ICD 10 codes. Lorene’s symptoms are consistent with Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS), ICD 10 code I24.9. Her report suggests having shortness of breath, discomfort that radiates back and up between her shoulder blades. The discomfort happens on exertion and resolves with rest. She is slightly nauseated and is diaphoretic. Symptoms of ACS consists of chest pain or discomfort, that could include pressure, tightness or fullness; pain or discomfort unilateral or bilateral arms, neck, the jaw, back or stomach; shortness of breath; feeling dizzy or lightheaded; nausea; and sweating. An EKG for ACS will show ST depression in six or more leads, most significant in leads V4 to V6 as stated before (Fuster, Kovacic, Josée, & Kravis, 2014) . What other secondary diagnoses does Lorene have that should be addressed?
Lorene’s secondary diagnoses are metabolic syndrome, hypertension (HTN), elevated a1C, and tobacco dependence. These issues, along with being obese are indicators that Lorene needs to make some lifestyle changes. If she can add diet, exercise and medication management to her daily activities, she will be able to reverse some of these comorbidities. Metabolic syndrome is defined in women as an increase in waist circumference, elevated triglycerides higher than 175 mg/dL, low high-density lipoproteins less than 50 mg/dL, an elevated blood pressure, and elevated glucose. Her blood pressure is significantly elevated. She eats out at most resultants, works often, and socially drinks while having cigarettes once a week (Wilson et al., 2018) . Design a treatment plan and discuss how each intervention applies to Lorene's case. Consider the following interventions:
Labs
Durable Medical Equipment Diagnostic tests- discuss the goal/purpose
Any consultation with outside providers/services
Medications- discuss why you chose each specific medication
Referrals- who and why
Follow up- why and when
Education- specific and measurable
Lifestyle Changes- specific to her cultural preferences, values, and beliefs
ACS is considered one of the most common deaths for people in the United States. This reason is why it is essential for primary care providers to diagnose and manage symptoms. ACS is included in two clinical presentations: ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and non–
ST elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS). Overall the ACC stresses the importance of primary prevention to decrease risk factors for ACS. However, if primary preventions cannot be achieved, then quick management must be implemented in a patient presenting with symptoms in primary care (Swiataj, Christensen, & Brewer, 2017. In the office, Lorenece will chew a nonenteric coasted aspirin (162to 325 mg) due to her positive symptoms of ACS listed above. Sublingual nitroglycerin 0.3 -0.6 mg can be given every five minutes for three doses within fifteen minutes to help with the chest pain. Her oxygen
