MADISON, Wis., Oct. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- A new report in the Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing (JCN) calls for nurses, especially cardiovascular nurses, to make real, measurable contributions in helping insulin-resistant patients manage their conditions and lower their risk for cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and other illnesses.(1) The authors outline specific recommendations to increase patient compliance with drug therapy and lifestyle modification programs to improve patient outcomes.
Factors that put people at risk of cardiovascular disease and other illnesses include obesity, especially abdominal obesity, high blood pressure, high triglycerides and blood glucose, and low levels of HDL cholesterol. Patients with three or more of these risk factors are often classified as having insulin resistance syndrome (IRS), also referred to as “metabolic syndrome” or “Syndrome X.” IRS occurs in one out of three to four adults in the United States.
Insulin resistance is a defect in insulin’s ability to mediate glucose disposal by muscles. This defect places patients at increased risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.
“We must identify those people at risk for IRS and manage their risk factors if we want to overcome the health dangers associated with this condition,” says Barbara Fletcher, RN, MSN, FAAN, clinical associate professor in the Department of Nursing, College of Health at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville, co-author of the article. “Fortunately, nurses are on the frontlines of patient care and can make the biggest difference in helping patients comply with their treatment regimens to reduce these risks.” Ms. Fletcher is past president of the Preventive Cardiovascular Nurses Association (PCNA), a group that promotes the role of cardiovascular nurses in prevention and patient care.
Lifestyle Modification
While the benefits of lifestyle changes are well-documented and well-known by the general public, there is often a gap between the professional’s recommendations and the patient’s actions. The authors emphasize the importance of nurses in individualizing exercise, weight loss and diet strategies, and maintaining a relationship with the patient that will encourage and track compliance with his or her individual regimen.
“Nurse clinicians spend the most time with patients -- usually more than physicians -- and therefore know each patient well. They’re in the best position to make an impact,” says Cindy Lamendola, MSN, ANP, co-author of the article and Clinical Research Coordinator, Stanford University School of Medicine, Department of Cardiology. Ms. Lamendola is also a founding member and current board member of PCNA.
“Patients with IRS often require multiple medications and lifestyle modifications that are matched to their individual characteristics,” Ms. Lamendola notes. “In the end, the only way we can make a significant improvement in patient outcomes is to monitor the effectiveness of each patient’s treatment regimen, and encourage compliance.”
The authors also call for more nurse-initiated clinical trials that will determine best practices for enhancing compliance and thus improving health outcomes.
About the Preventive Cardiovascular Nurses Association (PCNA)
PCNA is the leading nursing organization dedicated to preventing cardiovascular disease through assessing risk, facilitating lifestyle changes and guiding individuals to treatment goals. The organization was founded in 1992 and its membership includes nurses, nurse practitioners, physicians, physician assistants, nutritionists, pharmacists and other health care providers who specialize in cardiovascular care. PCNA is committed to primary and secondary CVD prevention and disease management, as well as enhancing patients’ cardiovascular health by promoting clinically proven treatments and positive lifestyle changes.
(1) Fletcher B, Lamendola C. Insulin Resistance Syndrome. Journal of
Cardiovascular Nursing 2004 September-October; 339-345.
Preventive Cardiovascular Nurses Association
CONTACT: Sue Koob of Preventive Cardiovascular Nurses Association,+1-608-250-2440; or Katie Cline of SENSEI Health, +1-212-631-0505 ext. 22
Web site: http://www.senseihealth.com/