Please discuss chronic cardiovascular diseases FLORIDA.
Include the following information in your post:
- Definitions of related terms
- Scope of problem (include data, statistics)
- Population(s), individuals involved
- Efforts to address
- Health, economic, and social impact
- Efforts to address the issue
- Personal reflection as a nurse about the issue related to your practice
contain at least two citations with corresponding references.
1 paragraph
Chronic Cardiovascular Diseases in Florida: An Overview
Definitions of Related Terms
Chronic Cardiovascular Disease (CVD): Refers to long-term conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels, such as coronary artery disease (CAD), hypertension, heart failure, and stroke. These conditions often develop due to risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, and smoking.
Hypertension: Persistent high blood pressure that forces the heart to work harder, potentially leading to heart disease or stroke.
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): A condition caused by the buildup of plaque in the arteries, reducing blood flow to the heart.
Heart Failure: A condition where the heart cannot pump blood effectively to meet the body’s needs.
Scope of the Problem
Cardiovascular diseases are a leading cause of death in Florida, accounting for approximately 30% of all deaths annually. According to the Florida Department of Health, in 2022, about 656,000 adults in Florida were hospitalized due to CVD-related conditions. Additionally, the prevalence of hypertension affects 32.1% of the adult population in the state. Behavioral factors such as physical inactivity, poor diet, and smoking contribute to the high rates.
Populations and Individuals Involved
CVD disproportionately affects older adults, African Americans, and individuals with lower socioeconomic status in Florida. African Americans in the state have a higher prevalence of hypertension (40%) compared to other racial groups. Geographically, rural areas such as the Panhandle have less access to healthcare services, exacerbating disparities.
Efforts to Address the Issue
Efforts to reduce the burden of CVD in Florida include:
- Public Health Campaigns: The Florida Department of Health’s “Healthiest Weight Florida” initiative encourages healthier eating and active lifestyles.
- Community Health Programs: Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) provide hypertension screening and management for underserved populations.
- Policy Interventions: Legislation supporting smoke-free environments and efforts to expand Medicaid have indirectly improved CVD outcomes by increasing access to care.
Health, Economic, and Social Impact
Chronic CVDs lead to significant health complications, such as heart attacks and strokes, which can be fatal or result in long-term disability. Economically, CVD-related costs in Florida exceed $21 billion annually, including healthcare expenses and lost productivity. Socially, affected individuals often face reduced quality of life and limitations in daily activities.
Personal Reflection as a Nurse
As a nurse, I recognize the importance of preventive care and patient education in mitigating CVD risks. In practice, integrating culturally sensitive education about lifestyle modifications and medication adherence is vital, especially in underserved communities. Advocacy for policy changes to increase healthcare access and address social determinants of health remains critical.
References
- Florida Department of Health. (2022). Cardiovascular Disease in Florida. Retrieved from floridahealth.gov
- American Heart Association. (2022). Cardiovascular Disease Statistics in the U.S. Retrieved from heart.org