Date of Award
2022
Document Type
Capstone
Publication Status
Version of Record
Submission Date
October 2026
College Granting Degree
Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing
Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]
Debra Hain
Thesis/Dissertation Co-Chair
Carl E. Orringer
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease continues to be a medical concern affecting millions globally. 17.9 million people die each year from cardiovascular disease (CVD), representing 32% of all deaths worldwide, (World Health Organization, 2021). Despite medical evidence and continuous awareness efforts in treating CVD, people continue to engage in behaviors and lifestyles that ultimately increase their risk of developing CVD. In effort to help curtail the incline of heart disease, the aim of this quality improvement project was to increase CVD awareness, knowledge of personal atherosclerosis cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk profile and encourage behavior modifications that lead to overall risk reduction. This was achieved by individualized educational sessions on cardiovascular health, discussion of lifestyle modification that reduces risk of developing ASCVD and undergoing CT CAC scores. Pre-test scores of CVD knowledge tool improved from a mean score of 40.66 to post-test mean score of 100, demonstrating that 100% of all participants showed increased knowledge of CVD, based on an alpha level of .05, [F(1, 48) = 55.02, p < .001]. In addition, risk modifying behaviors such as dietary choice improved after undergoing CAC scores and attending educational sessions. The mean of Unhealthy/Processed Food-Pre-Test was 3, denoting consumption of beverages with added sugars, fried and/or processed foods, at least 1-2 times per week, whereas post interventions mean score was 1.17, corresponding to consumption of unhealthy foods once per month or less, based on an alpha level of .05, [V = 168.00, z = -3.66, p < .001]. Lastly, the project demonstrated that understanding cardiovascular disease and associated ASCVD risk obtained by CT CAC scores led to increase in exercise and medication adherence.
Extent
27 p.
Recommended Citation
St. Philippe, Theresa, "Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) Awareness Program and CT Coronary Artery Calcium Scores Affect on Patient Perception of CVD Risk and Behavior Modifications" (2022). Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2020 - Present. 1618.
https://digitalcommons.fau.edu/etd_general/1618
Identifier
faudnp000071