Case Mystery Paper

docx

School

Capella University *

*We aren’t endorsed by this school

Course

610

Subject

Medicine

Date

Feb 20, 2024

Type

docx

Pages

Uploaded by KidDinosaur3814

1 Case Mystery Paper: Is it a TIA caused by Atherosclerosis? Lorraine Anthony-Norman Stevenson University Dr. Zabielski July 2023

2 Case Mystery Paper: Is it a TIA caused by Atherosclerosis? This case study focuses on a 56-year-old male patient with symptoms suggestive of a TIA caused by Atherosclerosis. The patient has a history of pre-type II diabetes and high cholesterol but has not complied with his Lipitor medication. He also takes Inderal for anxiety and Zestril for hypertension. The patient experiences speech difficulties, vision dimming, and memory loss, which have occurred for the past two months. The duration of these episodes has increased, with the most recent episode lasting almost 10 minutes. Patient History The patient was diagnosed with pre-type II diabetes six months ago and was advised to follow a diabetic diet. However, he stopped taking his Lipitor medication, prescribed for high cholesterol, due to his adherence to the diet. The patient also takes Inderal, purchased online, to manage his anxiety before speaking in public. It is important to note that the patient's non- compliance with his prescribed medications may contribute to his current condition. Presenting Symptoms During episodes that last approximately two minutes, the patient experiences speech difficulties, memory loss, and vision dimming. These symptoms have occurred for the past two months, with an increase in duration noted in the most recent episode. The patient initially attributed these symptoms to anxiety or orthostatic hypotension caused by Zestril, leading him to discontinue its use. What problem caused the professor's symptoms? The professor's symptoms were likely caused by a transient ischemic attack (TIA). The TIA was due to Atherosclerotic plaque buildup in his carotid artery, ultimately leading to a temporary blockage of blood flow to his brain. The accumulation of fatty deposits, cholesterol,

3 and other substances on the inner walls of arteries characterizes Atherosclerosis (Longstreth Jr. et al., 2018) . Over time, these deposits can harden and form plaque, narrowing and restricting blood flow. In the case of the professor, the plaque buildup in his carotid artery created a blockage that temporarily disrupted blood flow to his brain, resulting in a TIA. What do the glucose and HbA1c levels suggest? The professor's HbA1c of 10.4 indicates a higher risk of complications from uncontrolled diabetes, including cardiovascular disease, kidney damage, and nerve damage. High glucose levels indicate poor short-term control, affecting overall health and potentially contributing to Atherosclerosis, a buildup of plaque in arteries (Einarson et al., 2018). How will the professor's problem be treated ? The professor's Atherosclerosis is likely due to poorly controlled diabetes, requiring treatment to manage blood sugar levels. Lifestyle changes include a healthy diet low in saturated and trans fats, cholesterol, and sodium, and medication may be prescribed to reduce complications. Atherosclerosis, the underlying cause of the TIA, requires lifestyle changes similar to diabetes management. Quitting smoking is also beneficial, as it damages blood vessels and accelerates plaque buildup. Medication, such as antihyperglycemic, statins, antiplatelet drugs, and blood pressure medications, may be prescribed depending on the severity of the condition (Einarson et al., 2018). What will the pharmacological and other treatments include? Atherosclerosis is managed through various medications to reduce complications and slow progression. Statins help lower cholesterol levels and prevent plaque buildup in arteries. Antiplatelet drugs, like aspirin or clopidogrel, prevent platelet clot formation and blockage in arteries. Blood pressure medications, like ACE inhibitors, ARBs, beta-blockers, calcium channel

Your preview ends here

Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version

Access to all documents
Unlimited textbook solutions
24/7 expert homework help

4 blockers, and diuretics, help control high blood pressure and prevent further damage (Longstreth Jr. et al., 2018). Lifestyle changes are essential for managing Atherosclerosis and reducing complications. Why does the professor have a slow pulse, and what can be done to help with this? The professor's slow pulse may be due to plaque buildup in the arteries, obstructing blood flow to the heart muscle, causing reduced oxygen supply and a slower heart rate. Plaque deposits also affect the heart's electrical conduction system, disrupting normal rhythm and causing bradycardia. The professor's slow pulse may also be attributed to TIA, a temporary disruption in blood flow to the brain caused by blood clots or Atherosclerosis. These factors could affect the heart's electrical conduction system, resulting in a slower heart rate.

5 References Einarson, T. R., Acs, A., Ludwig, C., & Panton, U. H. (2018). Prevalence of cardiovascular disease in type 2 diabetes: A systematic literature review of scientific evidence from across the world in 2007–2017. Cardiovascular Diabetology , 17 (1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12933-018-0728-6 Longstreth Jr., W. T., Gasca, N. C., Gottesman, R. F., Pearce, J. B., & Sacco, R. L. (2018). Adjudication of transient ischemic attack and stroke in the multi-ethnic study of Atherosclerosis. Neuroepidemiology , 50 (1–2), 23–28. https://doi.org/10.1159/000486174

Case Mystery Paper

Related Documents