CARDIAC CARE

Evidence-based Practice - Critical Evaluation of Acute Cardiac Care

Introduction1

Discussion1

Heart Failure - An Acute Cardiac Condition1

Aetiology of Heart Failure2

Pathophysiology of Heart Failure3

Latest Treatment Modalities for Heart Failure4

Evidence-based Practices and Nursing Care for Heart Failure6

Ongoing Management for Patient Care and Controversial Issues7

Conclusion9

References11

Evidence-based Practice - Critical Evaluation of Acute Cardiac Care

Introduction

The paper aims at assessing the evidence-based practices for the selected acute cardiac care. Initially, the paper provides a brief overview of the heart failure cases in Australian context. Then, the paper provides brief aetiology and pathophysiology of such cardiac condition. Moreover, the paper provides concrete assessment of evidence based practices and the role of nursing in the quality care for CHF patients. While critically evaluating the literature on CHF patient care, the paper sheds light on different controversies, on going management assessment and latest treatment modalities for heart failure patients.

Discussion

Heart Failure - An Acute Cardiac Condition

NIH (2012, p. n.d.) has defined heart failure as a health condition in which heart is unable to pump and provide sufficient supply of blood to body organs. Heart Foundation (2013, p. n.d.) has recognized heart diseases as the single leading cause of deaths in Australia. According to statistics, approximately 21,700 people lost to heart disease in 2010 (Heart Foundation, 2013, p. n.d.). Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) can be caused in either of the two situations. Firstly, patient with a medical case in which heart is unable to be filled with sufficient amount of blood. Secondly, the heart is unable to pump blood to other organs of the body with adequate force. Nonetheless, heart failure is defined as a chronic health condition that needs serious medical care and treatment (NIH, 2012, p. n.d.).

Aetiology of Heart Failure

In the view of Heart Foundation (2011, p. 7), 1.5-2% of Australians are faced with chronic heart failure. However, a trend analysis of the prevalence and incidence shows that causation of CHF increases with age. It is one of the common cardiac problems that affect elder people. In Australian context, about one in every hundred admissions to clinical facilities has been associated with CHF. According to statistics, 50% of CHF prevalence is observed among people at an age of 85years and above, 10% among people with age of 65years and above and 1% among people within the age bracket of 50-59years. According to NHS (2012, p. n.d.), aetiology of heart failure can be subject to a number of factors and health conditions that might increase the likelihood of heart failure.

An overview of government publications and health care statistics identifies idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy, hypertension and Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) as the most commonly observed cause of CHF. Other cause of heart failure might include anaemia, weakness in heart muscles, diabetes, disturbance in heart rhythm and overactive thyroid gland (NHS, 2012, p. n.d.). Heart Foundation (2011, p. 7) claims that 2/3 of new CHF cases are caused by hypertension, which can accelerate CHD resulting in heart failure development. In addition to this, 5-10% of new cases have observed to be caused by Idiopathic dilated ...