Cardiovascular Nursing Journal

Prevalence of risk factors for cardiovascular disease among elderly people in Kashan city, Iran, 2014

zahra khalili

Abstract

Aim. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of risk factors of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in elderly of Kashan.

Background.The Iranian elderly population is rapidly growing. It is estimated that more than 10 percent of country population would be elderly in the forthcoming twenty years. Structural and physiological changes occurring in the elderly’s cardiovascular system are associated with a higher incidence of CVD in the elderly. Coronary heart disease is the most common cause of death in the elderly.

Method.This cross-sectional study was conducted on 500 people over 60 years old in Kashan city, Iran, in 2014. Subjects were randomly selected from10healthcare centers of Kashan. A questionnaire was used to collect data including demographics, underlying diseases and risk factors for CVD. The data analyzed using descriptive statistics through SPSS 11.5.

Findings.The prevalence of risk factors for CVD was high among elderly people.

Conclusion. Teaching individuals, controlling risk factors and screening are suggested. It is also recommended that elderly people increase physical activities and cease smoking.

The effect of preferred music on sleep quality among patients after coronary artery bypass surgery

Robabeh Haghverdi

Aim. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of preferred music on sleep quality of patients after coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG). Background. Sleep disorder is common among patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery that can also affect other postoperative outcomes. Method. This study was a quasi-experimental trial in which 70 patients who were undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery were recruited using convenience sampling method and assigned into the experimental and control group. Patients in experimental group listened to their preferred music by MP3 player for 20 minutes during 4 consecutive days, while patients in control group received only routine care. The patients’ sleep quality was measured before and after the intervention by means of Pittsburgh sleep quality inventory. Data were analyzed by SPSS, version 16, and descriptive and inferential statistical were used to report the findings. Findings. There was no statistically significant difference in sleep quality, before and after intervention in experimental and control groups. Conclusion. Music did not have effect on sleep quality among patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery, but the study can be reproduced with some modifications (change in intervention time and period and targeted selection of patients) in future studies.

The effect of local thermotherapy on pain severity in patients with chronic peripheral arterial occlusive disorders

Mohammad Hadi Sarvari

Aim. This study aimed to examine the effect of local thermotherapy on pain severity in patients with chronic peripheral arterial occlusive disorders. Background. Chronic peripheral arterial occlusive disorders are among the most commonly and disturbing diseases which mainly affect the lower extremities. Chronic peripheral arterial occlusive disorders are the most common causes of disability. Many of patients with chronic peripheral arterial occlusive disorder suffer from pain. Methods. In this randomized clinical trial, 60 patients with chronic peripheral arterial occlusive disorders, referred to specialized unit of Mashhad Imam Reza Hospital, were recruited through convenience sampling and randomly allocated to control (n=30) and intervention group (n=30). A questionnaire including information about demographic characteristics and disease status were completed for all patients. Then, the pain severity of patients was measured before the intervention. In the experimental group, the damaged limb of patients (from below of knee to fingers) put in the hot water (41 ° C) for 20 minutes. After thermotherapy, the pain severity of patients in the experimental group was measured again. Intervention was implemented for 5 consecutive days. The patients in control group received only routine medical treatment in the ward during 5 days and each day, their pain severity were measured. Data were analyzed by using SPSS 14 and descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings. The mean pain severity of patients after the intervention showed a statistically significant decrease (P<0.0001). The mean pain severity of patients in control group during 5 days showed no statistically significant difference. Conclusion Thermotherapy with hot water significantly decreases pain severity of patients with chronic peripheral arterial occlusive disorders.

Effect of applying checklist on quality of intra-hospital transport of intensive care patients

Jaleh Mohammad Aliha

Aim. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of applying checklist on intra-hospital transport of intensive care patients. Background. Intra-hospital transport of intensive care patients who are at risk of cardiovascular and respiratory instability can lead to physical harm and death. Therefore, prevention through increasing awareness staff about the dangers is a necessity. Method. A quasi-experimental before-after design was used to conduct the study. At first, in a hospital affiliated to Tehran University of Medical Sciences, the quality of 50 cases of intra-hospital transport observed using a checklist during day shifts. Then, intra-hospital transport checklist was given to critical care nurses to be used in cases of patient transport. One month later, the quality of 50 cases of intra-hospital transport observed using a checklist during day shifts. The data were analyzed by SPSS version 21. Findings. The results showed a statistically significant difference between the mean score of the quality of intra-hospital transport, before and after intervention (49.26±9.87 against 54.95±10.27) (P=0.006). Conclusion. Applying checklist improves intra-hospital transport of intensive care patients. It is recommended to use this checklist for intra-hospital transport of intensive care patients to increase patient safety and reduce the complications of in-hospital transport .

The effect of liaison nurse on vital signs of patients in the process of transition from cardiac surgery intensive care unit to general ward

Kourosh Jodaki

Aim. The aim of this study was to examine the role of liaison nurse on vital signs of patients in the process of transition from cardiac surgery intensive care unit to general ward. Background. Patients' transfer from intensive care unit to a general ward is accompanied by anxiety, stress and changes in patients' vital signs. It is said that the role of liaison nurse solve the problems between intensive care unit and the general ward and prevent adverse events during transfer of patients. Method. This was a quasi-experimental study in which 68 patients were recruited and allocated to experimental and control group. In both control and experimental group, demographic and disease characteristics were collected in the beginning of the study .The experimental group received liaison nurse services during transfer process. Vital signs of the patients were measured and recorded at the beginning of transfer and two hours after admission of patient in the general ward. The data were analyzed by SPSS version 19 and using statistical tests. Findings. Before intervention, the experimental and control group were homogeneous in terms of demographics and vital signs except for systolic blood pressure. After intervention, significant reductions were found in vital signs in the experimental group. Conclusion. Liaison nurse services affect the vital signs of patients in the process of transition from cardiac surgery intensive care unit to general ward.

The effect of acupressure on anxiety in patients under mechanical ventilation

Jaleh Mohammad Aliha

Aim. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of acupressure on anxiety in patients under mechanical ventilation. Background. Mechanical ventilation is a frequently used technological modality for patients in Intensive Care Unit (ICU), and this treatment has potential to produce a variety of unpleasant stress and physiological and psychological complications. Anxiety is one of the most common mental reactions in patients under mechanical ventilation. Acupressure as a non-pharmacological approach may improve anxiety in these patients without side effects. Method. This was a randomized block experimental study in which 164 ventilated patients with stable hemodynamics and GCS≥9 who had study criteria were randomly allocated into experimental or control group. Patients in the experimental group received two sessions/day of acupressure along with routine care for two consecutive days, but patients in the control group received only routine care. The anxiety was measured with Faces Anxiety Scale (FAS), before, right after, and one hour following every acupressure session. The data were analyzed by SPSS software using descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings. Baseline anxiety level was high in most of patients. Anxiety in the experimental group decreased significantly (p=0.032) when compared with control group, over time. Anxiety was significantly different between groups, right after intervention in every session of acupressure (p<0.0001). In the experimental group, time-dependent changes of anxiety was statistically significant (p<0.0001) and anxiety was significantly different before and right after intervention in every session of acupressure (p<0.0001). The amount of change in anxiety was not significantly different between sessions. Conclusion. Acupressure therapy could reduce anxiety significantly in patients with mechanical ventilation. Critical care nurses can use this non-pharmacological approach to reduce anxiety in patients under mechanical ventilation.

Unhealthy diet: A preventable risk factor of cardiovascular disease

Ali Soltani

Aim. This paper reviews articles and clinical trial evidence regarding diet for cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention. Background. CVD is rapidly becoming a primary cause of death worldwide. Thus, identification of dietary changes that most effectively prevent CVD is necessary. Method. This review was conducted by searching out electronic databases and hand searching of library resources. Searching out articles and research projects was conducted by using keywords on the internet and relevant sites. Findings. According to the findings, at least 3 dietary strategies are effective in preventing CVD: substituting non-hydrogenated unsaturated fats for saturated and trans-fats increasing consumption of omega-3 fatty acids from fish, fish oil supplements, or plant sources and consuming a diet high in fruits, vegetables, nuts, and whole grains and low in refined grain products. Conclusion. According to the current evidence, diets using non-hydrogenated unsaturated fats as the main form of dietary fat, whole grains as the main form of carbohydrates, an abundance of fruits and vegetables, and adequate omega-3 fatty acids can offer significant protection against CVD. Such diets, along with regular physical activity, avoidance of smoking, and maintenance of ideal body weight may prevent the majority of cardiovascular disease.

Hypothermia therapy after cardiopulmonary arrest (post-resuscitation syndrome)

Mansoor Mohsenabadi

Aim. This paper reviews various types of inducing hypothermia and related nursing care after cardiopulmonary arrest. Background. The patient experiencing post-resuscitation syndrome after cardiopulmonary arrest, requires admission in critical care unit to receive intensive care and constant monitoring. Method. Electronic databases was searched out to find related articles published within the last 5 year about hypothermia therapy and cardiopulmonary arrest. Some textbooks was also read to prepare this paper. Findings. Cooling techniques can be divided to noninvasive and invasive methods. Ice packs application to the groin, torso, axillae, and neck is an example of noninvasive cooling technique. Invasive cooling techniques include cold infusion, Intravascular cooling, and venovenous technique. Conclusion. Hypothermia therapy can be recommended as an effective method to reduce complications following cardiopulmonary arrest.