The epidemiologic basis of coronary disease prevention

With a knowledge of the epidemiologic basis underlying the risk factors for CHD, the nurse can improve the quality of care offered to clients. By collecting information during assessment, the nurse can identify persons at increased risk for CHD. Information about the nonmodifiable risk factors can be used to assist in determining the amount of emphasis to place on borderline levels of the modifiable risk factors. As risk factor data are collected, the nurse can also explain the nature of the risk factor-CHD relationship to the client and family, thus teaching them as well as demonstrating that nursing practice is data based. When the health care team has decided on the focus of risk factor modification, the nurse will know about clinical trials that underlie the treatment plan or else will be able to explain that there are still areas of incomplete knowledge.