Cardiac Conditions Case Study
In particular, cardiovascular diseases are the leading causes of death in the US (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2019). However, while a significant population dies from the disease every year, men are disproportionately affected by the condition. In this backdrop, this paper considers the required screening and procedures for C.T.s health maintenance visit.
Primary Goals of the Health Maintenance Visit
The main goals of this health maintenance visit are to screen the patient for potential heart diseases. The patient’s past diagnosis of an upper respiratory illness is an indication of possible cardiovascular conditions. These goals are essential because early diagnosis of heart diseases helps in managing the illness.
Conditions and Risk Factors for Screening
Due to the patient’s age and family history, whereby his father succumbed from a heart attack at age 68, it is vital to screen C.T. for heart attack. Some of the conditions that predispose the patient to heart attack entail a previous diagnosis of an upper respiratory illness, a relatively high blood pressure, and his age of 48 years. According to Kellerman and KUSM-W Medical Practice Association (2019), the main risk factors for cardiovascular diseases include a sedentary lifestyle, alcohol consumption, smoking, age, gender, race, and family history. In addition, the patient’s current symptoms call for a diagnosis of hypertension. Clinical presentations of hypertension include headaches, chest pains, and visual changes, among others (Kellerman & KUSM-W Medical Practice Association, 2019). Moreover, C.T. should be screened for behavioral risk factors for heart diseases encompassing physical activity, alcohol intake, and smoking.
Morbidity and Mortality
As earlier reiterated, the most prevalent causation factors of morbidity and mortality among males aged 48 years in the US is cardiovascular diseases. Approximately 647,000 persons die from heart conditions in the US (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2019). A majority of the population that succumbs to heart diseases are male. Coronary artery disease and heart attack are the primary causes of heart condition deaths (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2019). Therefore, regular screening and desirable behavioral practices are required to reduce the risk of heart diseases among this populace.
In conclusion, C.T.’s health maintenance visit is increasingly essential. It provides an opportunity to screen the patient for possible heart diseases. Men aged 48 years and above have an inordinately high risk of cardiovascular diseases.