The study of medical case studies is of value to medical professionals. This is due to the fact that they gain knowledge about diseases, their symptoms, and methods of treatment. Thus, within the framework of this work, a summarizing article from Anderson and Townsend will be conducted under the title “Hidden complications: A case study in peripheral arterial disease.” The study of this case study is of particular interest because it explores such a deviation of human health as peripheral arterial disease.
First of all, the article from Anderson and Townsend provides a detailed case study of a patient named Jan. The woman was admitted to the department with acute inferior myocardial infarction (Anderson & Townsend, 2014). A serious circumstance is that a woman smokes a lot and has hypertension and hyperlipidemia. Further, after the initial percutaneous coronary intervention, the woman remains under constant observation by a nurse, and special attention is paid to her hip. After conducting the patient’s anamnesis and examining her medical history and any complaints, the doctors concluded that the woman had peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Medical specialists inform the woman about possible risks and report that deviations in one vascular bed increase the possibility of disease in another, for example, the arteries of the extremities.
After providing a case study, which is the basis for explaining the disease under study, the article provides more detailed information. Research stated that “people with symptomatic PAD have a 30% mortality from cerebrovascular or cardiovascular disease within five years and at least a 50% mortality over ten years” (Anderson & Townsend, 2014, p. 2). Thus, the authors point to the need for a more thorough and thoughtful study of the disease and how it can affect the development of other abnormalities in the human body. This is especially true of the effect that PAD has on the cardiovascular system of patients.
Of particular value is information about the symptoms and complications that may occur in patients with the problem under study. Hence, among the primary indicators may be ischemic rest pain, dry gangrene of the legs, feet, and nonhealing wounds or ulcers of the feet or legs (Anderson & Townsend, 2014). It is essential to know that PAD can proceed without any symptoms, depending on the severity and neglect of the patient’s well-being. Among the complications are acute and chronic diseases.
Most of the research work is aimed at providing important information about the management and treatment of peripheral arterial disease. So. The main task of medical specialists is “to reduce the risk of cardiovascular complications and relieve claudication” (Anderson & Townsend, 2014, p. 3). This can be done with the help of non-pharmacological interventions and lifestyle changes. Thus, endovascular treatments are the least invasive but, at the same time, an effective alternative to rid the patient of the symptoms of the disease.
In conclusion, this work considered the article “Hidden complications: A case study in peripheral arterial disease.” This scientific paper provided a case study on peripheral arterial disease and provided information on symptoms, treatment, and complications. This knowledge can be helpful not only for medical doctors but also for patients. This will contribute to the dissemination of awareness about the problem, increase the education of the population in the field of healthcare, and overall improvement of the quality of health.
References
Anderson, P. & Townsend, T. (2014). Hidden complications: A case study in peripheral arterial disease.Wound Care Advisor, 3(3). Web.