The mortality rates due to CAD continue to decline and remain below the Healthy People 2020 objective at the national and state level. In 2014, 98.8 CAD related deaths per 100,000 population occurred in the United States, while 94.1 deaths per 100,000 population occurred in Illinois (ODPHP, 2014b). Conversely, Effingham County continues to struggle with meeting the Healthy People 2020 objective. At the local level, 107.9 CHD deaths per 100,000 people occurred in 2014 (CDC, 2014). Achieving the objective at the local level will require community support, along with guidance from local Advanced Practice Nurses (APNs) in forming healthy …show more content…
CAD occurs when plaque accumulates within the coronary arteries, leading to the hardening of the vessels or atherosclerosis (USDHHS, 2016b). The build-up of plaque causes narrowing of the blood vessels, decreasing the amount of oxygen-rich blood that may pass through the arteries. Atherosclerosis eventually may lead to complete or partial blockages in the coronary arteries, causing angina or myocardial infarction (USDHSS, 2016b). Mortality rates due to CAD may be reduced through lifestyle changes, medical treatment, and surgical interventions. A considerable amount of scientific literature exists on measures to decrease the prevalence of CAD, along with guidelines for