Chronic Care Management Strategies

Study Notes

Goals of Chronic Care

Maintain or improve self-care capacity.
Effectively manage the condition.
Enhance the body's healing abilities.
Prevent complications.
Delay disease deterioration and decline.
Achieve the highest possible quality of life.
Ensure a comfortable and dignified death.

Key Problem Areas for Patients with Chronic Illness

Assessing chronic care needs, including accurate diagnosis.
Maximizing benefits from chronic care.
Developing personalized care plans addressing physical and emotional needs.
Effective communication with healthcare providers.
Adherence to treatment plans (medication, lifestyle changes).
Selecting a suitable physician.
Finding a qualified chronic care coach.
Increasing patient knowledge about their illness and management techniques.
Locating supportive groups.
Making informed lifestyle choices.
Managing stress.
Utilizing complementary and alternative therapies (considering both proponents and opponents).

Heart Disease

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)

Narrowing or blockage of coronary arteries due to fatty deposits, cholesterol, cellular waste, calcium, and fibrin.
Symptoms include chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, fatigue, heart palpitations, irregular heartbeat, sweating (with chest pain), nausea, and vomiting (during heart attack).
Normal heart rhythm (sinus rhythm): 60-100 bpm, originating from the sinoatrial (SA) node.

Arrhythmia (Irregular Heart Rhythm)

Disruption of normal heart rhythm—too fast, too slow, or irregular.
Types: bradycardia (slow), tachycardia (fast), atrial fibrillation (rapid and irregular atrial beating), ventricular tachycardia (rapid irregular beating in the ventricles).
Symptoms can range from none to palpitations, chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, and fainting.

Stenosis (Narrowing of a Passage)

Narrowing can occur in various body parts (aorta, pulmonary artery, mitral valve, aortic valve, trachea, urethra).
Symptoms may include chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, dizziness, leg/ankle swelling, and difficulty urinating (if urethral stenosis).

Regurgitation (Backward Flow of Blood)

Occurs when heart valves don't close properly, allowing backflow of blood.
Types involve various valves (aortic, mitral, pulmonary, tricuspid).
Symptoms include shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain, palpitations, leg/ankle swelling, and dizziness.
Diagnosis often involves physical examination (listening for murmurs) and echocardiography (ultrasound). ECG and stress tests may also be used.

Systolic Heart Failure

Weakened and enlarged heart muscle, reducing blood pumping efficiency during ventricular contraction.
Symptoms: shortness of breath, fatigue, weakness, leg swelling, rapid heartbeat, chest pain, nighttime cough, and weight gain (due to fluid).
Causes include CAD, high blood pressure, dilated cardiomyopathy, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, valvular heart disease, infections, thyroid disorders, and medications.
Treatment involves medication, lifestyle changes, and cardiac rehabilitation.

Description

This quiz explores the essential goals and problem areas in managing chronic care. Participants will learn about effective strategies to enhance self-care, improve communication with healthcare providers, and develop personalized care plans. Evaluate your knowledge about chronic illness management and the support systems available.