Cardiovascular pharmacotherapy: A focus on heart failure

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Sherry L Donaworth and Christine Colella

University of Cincinnati, USA

: J Nurs Patient Care

Abstract

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Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in developed countries. Even as mortality rates have declined globally in recent years, one-third or more of all deaths in adults over the age of 35 is attributable to CHD. According to the American Heart Association (AHA) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), cardiovascular diseases claim more lives than all forms of cancer combined. Hypertension is a leading risk of heart disease and heart failure and the most common reason for office visits of adults to healthcare providers in the U.S. Aging of the population and improved treatment for CHD has led to an increasing prevalence of heart failure. Prescriptions to treat for cardiovascular disease are among the most commonly prescribed medications for chronic illness. Therefore, it is essential that nurses stay up-to-date regarding these frequently prescribed drug classes. This presentation will review the pathophysiology of heart disease and heart failure, as well as evidence-based treatment modalities. Indications, contraindications and adverse drug effects as well as patient education and monitoring considerations will be discussed.

Biography

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Sherry L Donaworth is an Assistant Professor of Clinical Nursing at the University of Cincinnati, College of Nursing, USA. She is board certified as both an Adult- Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and a Family Nurse Practitioner. Her extensive clinical practice experience has included critical care, cardiology, geriatrics as well as primary care. She has served as a Content Expert on an ANE HRSA grant for interactive case studies for distance learning students.