Coronary Artery Disease, Dysrhythmias & Pacemaker/ICD Care

Coronary artery disease results from atherosclerotic narrowing of the coronary arteries; modifiable risk factors (hypertension, smoking, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, obesity, sedentary lifestyle) are a major focus of patient teaching, since they're the factors nursing interventions can actually change. Stable angina is predictable, brought on by exertion, and relieved by rest or nitroglycerin within minutes; unstable angina or MI is unpredictable, may occur at rest, and is not fully relieved by nitroglycerin — that distinction drives the urgency of the nursing response.