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Introduction/Abstract : The purpose of this
presentation is to provide the learner with an overview of Acute
coronary syndrome (ACS).
ACS is a new term to incorporate many diagnosis
including acute myocardial infarction (AMI), ST segment elevation MI (STEMI),
Non ST segment elevation MI (NSTEMI), Q and non Q wave MI, unstable
angina, and acute coronary chest pain syndromes. Differentiation can be
confusing. This presentation will clarify assessment, differentiating a
diagnosis and review the treatment options are for each.
Throughout the presentation an emphasis will be
placed on the gender bias within this diagnosis. ACS is the leading
cause of death in American females, claiming the lives of more females
than males. One in every two women; or 53.5% of deaths in women, are due
to cardiovascular heart disease. Ironically, women are less likely to
receive fast and effective treatment for ACS than men. Women are less
likely to have a timely EKG, undergo coronary intervention, and even
less likely to survive. The only solution is to increase our knowledge
as health care professionals in order to rapidly identify and treat.
This
program will help the learner to identify the risk factors, recognize
the signs and symptoms and make a rapid diagnosis of ACS. We will review
the use of diagnostic tools and give information on how to differentiate
types of chest pain. We will discuss the treatment options and
management of ACS taking into consideration the best options for both
men and women. Finally, we will discuss patient education required
upon discharge in therapeutic lifestyle modifications and patient
compliance in discharge planning and follow-up.
The target audience is
broad and beneficial to all healthcare professionals, including
physicians, advanced practice nurses or physician assistants, and
nurses. There are some references to pharmacology (approximately
15% of the presentation has pharmacology information). There are
no prerequisites to this program.
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