It is apparent that the 50-year-old male faces an imminent risk of cardiac complications due to the existing risk factors. Among the factors that could potentially form the pathophysiological basis of cardiac problems include; hypertension, obesity (BMI-33), smoking and varicose veins. These are the factors that require to be modified in order to save the patient from the cardiac risk zone. Largely, these factors can be modified through making behavioral and lifestyle changes.
While all the above outlined factors present risk for developing cardiovascular problems, the magnitude of the risk posed by each of them varies. In this scenario, it would be prudent to first attend to the top priority risk factor that bears the greatest short-term disadvantage or harm with regard to cardiac disease. Comparatively, a high blood pressure, presents more short-term risk than all the other factors, hence underscoring the need for addressing this risk as a priority. Extrapolating from the existing medical evidence, high blood pressure can injure or damage the coronary artery which supplies oxygenated blood to the heart muscles (Mann et al., 2014). This leads to the hypoxia of the heart muscle and potentially, an irreversible damage of the tissue (Mann et al., 2014). Furthermore, a high blood pressure subjects the heart to increased output demand and in the event that the heart cannot sustain the pressure, a collapse is possible (Mann et al., 2014). Bringing the blood pressure within the healthy/normal parameters is pretty essential as a first line approach towards reducing the likelihood of developing cardiovascular problems.
The care plan for addressing this risk factor takes two approaches (pharmacological and non-pharmacological). Pharmacological approaches would involve the use of blood pressure lowering medications such as ACE inhibitors, calcium channel blockers and statins (Drazner, 2011). On the other hand, the non-pharmacological approach would involve educating and helping the patient in undertaking various lifestyle and behavioral changes to reduce blood pressure. These include; dietary approaches and physical exercise (Drazner, 2011). In this regard, it would be necessary to work alongside the patient so as to tailor-make the dietary requirements and physical exercise in a manner that helps in reducing blood pressure and at the same time, subjecting the patient to minimal inconveniences.
References
Drazner, M. H. (2011). The progression of hypertensive heart disease.Circulation, 123(3), 327-334.
Mann, D. L., Zipes, D. P., Libby, P., & Bonow, R. O. (2014). Braunwald's heart disease: a textbook of cardiovascular medicine. Elsevier Health Sciences.
