Analysis of the concept of cardiovascular risk: contributions to nursing practice

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Public Health
• Cardiology

Background:

• Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) represent a significant global health burden.
• Effective nursing practice requires a clear understanding of cardiovascular risk.
• Existing definitions of cardiovascular risk may lack comprehensive scope for nursing interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze and define the concept of cardiovascular risk.
• To support and enhance nursing practice in cardiovascular care.
• To provide a framework for identifying and managing CVD risk factors.

Main Methods:

• Concept analysis utilizing Walker and Avant's eight-step framework.
• Comprehensive literature review of indexed scientific journals.
• Synthesis of findings to establish a robust definition of cardiovascular risk.

Main Results:

• Cardiovascular risk is defined as a health and nursing care context.
• Identifies modifiable factors (cardiometabolic, behavioral, psychosocial, cultural, occupational) and non-modifiable factors (biological).
• These factors act as early, interrelated markers of CVDs, indicating vulnerability.

Conclusions:

• A clear definition of cardiovascular risk enhances nursing practice.
• Implications for clinical practice include improved identification and reduction of CVD risk factors.
• Highlights the crucial role and relevance of nursing in cardiovascular patient care.