Progress Notes

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January 27, 1992

The Breeze is the student newspaper of James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia

Healthy You

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Healthy You

https://scholarlyworks.lvhn.org/healthy-you/1050/thumbnail.jp

Psychological Factors Relevant to the Prehospital and In-hospital Phases of Acute Myocardial Infarction

Recognition and treatment of psychological factors relevant to the acute prehospital and in-hospital phases of myocardial infarction (Ml) are reviewed. Various emotions and personality characteristics can be both risk factors for and consequences of acute Ml. Components of the Type A behavior pattern and levels of somatic and emotional awareness have been linked with excessive treatment-seeking delay for Ml patients. Psychiatric conditions such as panic disorder may mimic symptomatic presentation of Ml and therefore have implications for differential diagnosis in the emergency room. Additionally. anxiety, depression, and neurobehavioral disorders such as delirium are relatively common during the hospitalization period and may contribute to potentially lethal complications of Ml. Because psychological factors are associated with prognosis during each phase of Ml, the identification and treatment of such factors are crucial in providing comprehensive care for MI patients

Cerebral vascular accidents and therapeutic treatments

A cerebral vascular accident (CVA) is commonly referred to as a stroke. Stroke is the third leading cause of death and the number one cause of serious disability in the United States. Approximately 550,000 people suffer a stroke each year; 150,000 of these result in death. Each stroke is unique. After a stroke, some victims will suffer severe deficits and/or permanent disability for the remainder of their lives. Yet other victims may suffer only mild, temporary deficits and may recover completely. Currently over three million Americans are living with the effects of stroke . Most of these individuals have been successfully rehabilitated through therapy, medical treatment, and lifestyle changes . I have been exposed to stroke patients and their families in a medical setting throughout the past three years. It has been my observation that most people do not fully understand stroke, and they definitely do not comprehend their own ability to prevent stroke. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to provide thorough information about stroke and its consequences, and to educate the reader about preventative measures which can decrease stroke risk. Every individual has some degree of stroke risk; however, many risk factors can be eliminated by mere changes in lifestyle . These conscious behaviors, in addition to major medical and diagnostic breakthroughs, provide hope for stroke prevention and treatment in the future. As I enter the field of physical therapy, I will reference this paper often. I plan to share it with stroke survivors, their families, and others affected by stroke so that it can serve as an educational tool for those frightened individuals with unending questions. However, it is my hope that this paper not only educates stroke survivors and their families, but also health conscious individuals who desire to reduce their risk of stroke and improve their overall quality of life