CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE

Coronary Artery Disease

Coronary Artery Disease

Introduction

In the past, 6 decades, dietary and lifestyle changes of Native Americans have led to an increase in the incidence of CAD. Data concerning CAD and significant coronary risk factors in Native Americans is sparse, indicating that more information needs to be collected in this area. To understand artery disease in Native Americans, the epidemiology of coronary artery disease in this group is presented. Selected coronary artery disease (CAD), are discussed along with the Cultural influences on artery disease risk factors are described. In this study, the attempt is made to explore the concept of coronary artery disease and its impact on American Natives in a holistic context.

Discussion

Cultural diversity

Towards the racial gap of life expectancy, the most crucial factor is of coronary artery disease. The rate of death of African American is more than whites, and they also die an average of 5.4 years earlier than the whites. After interpreting the statistics of 2006 and 2008 data it can be said that the rate of death of African American is 43% higher than the national rate with respect to the age. Culturally competent care is essential to eliminate coronary artery disease health disparities in Native American populations (Morrow, 2007). This is crucial in establishing trust with patients and to provide culturally congruent healthcare. The Native American cultures are different from the mainstream culture in that their approach to health is more holistic in nature; health and harmony are emphasized rather than disease and curing, and ceremonies teach the patient to be well rather than to depend on the medical system. For instance, smoking cessation for Native American people may be difficult because of the cultural acceptance of tobacco use in ceremony.

Reasons for coronary artery disease

American Heart Association describes various reasons for the coronary artery disease. One of such reason declared by American Heart Association is atherosclerosis. Heart functions properly with the proper flow of the blood in the vessels. Any disruption in the flow of blood would cause the heart to work abnormally. Atherosclerosis is also a condition related to the flow of blood (Howard, 1992). There are numerous factors that can cause coronary artery disease or can lead an individual towards the stage of coronary artery disease. These factors are as follows:

Family history of heart disease.

Physical inactivity

Smoking

Exposure to indirect smoke

High blood pressure or cholesterol

Overweight or obesity

Risk Factors

According to statistical data provided by the American Heart Association, some of the risk factors for coronary artery disease are higher in Native Americans than in other races. For example, in 2001, tobacco product use among Native Americans was 45% compared with 31% for whites, 27% for African Americans, 14% for Asians, and 23% for Hispanics. Likewise, obesity is found in 36% of Native American men and 41% of Native American women compared with 27% of white males and 30% of white females. Age-adjusted prevalence of diabetes increased during 1994-2002 from 12% to 15% (a 33% increase in prevalence) for Native Americans, while other US adults experienced ...