Kristin Murphy collected data from 30 patients at a cardiac rehabilitation agency to analyze risk factors associated with heart disease. The majority of patients had high cholesterol, could improve their diets, or were obese. Over half the patients were male, consistent with heart disease being more common in men. Understanding risk factors through data collection is important for prevention, as lifestyle changes and regular checkups could significantly reduce the yearly toll of heart disease.

1. Internship Abstract
Title: Patient's Progress and Outcomes in Cardiac Rehabilitation
Name: Kristin Murphy
Preceptors: Direct Supervisor: Jose Maniquis; Registered Nurse: Ellen Weiss
Agency: Robert Wood Johnson Cardiac Rehabilitation
Purpose:​ To collect data and analyze the factors associated with the pre-surgery/pre-treatment of cardiac
patients.
Significance:​ ​Approximately ​610,000 people​ die of heart disease in the United States every year–that's
1 in every 4 deaths. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women. ​According to the
CDC,​ ​every year close to 800,000 Americans have a first heart attack and 470,000 who have already
experienced a heart attack have a repeat event. There are many risk factor associated with heart disease.
The biggest ones include high cholesterol, lifestyle (diet and exercise) and obesity. Understanding the risk
factors and taking action is the best way to prevent heart disease.
Method/Approach:​ The information regarding risk factors of heart disease was collected from the
patients during their evaluation to reveal possible risk factors and patterns.The data collected was from 30
patients ages 36 to 84 and included age, gender, if the patient had diabetes or not, BMI, any family history
of heart disease, high cholesterol, lifestyle, and smoking habits. This information was used to understand
which risk factors were the most prominent in the patients that attended cardiac rehab.
Outcomes/Results: ​Of the patients currently enrolled in cardiac rehab (n=30), 19 (63%) were male and
11 (37%) were female. Seventeen (57%) have diabetes. The BMI range was from 17.1 to 44.5. 1 (3.3%)
patient was below the normal BMI. Seven (23.3%) patients were between 19-25, which is the normal
rate. Seven (23.3%) patients were between 25-29.9 which is overweight. Fifteen (50%) patients were
above 29.9 which is considered obese. 24 out of 30 (80%) patients had a family history of heart disease.
Twenty-seven (90%) patients had high cholesterol. Lifestyle scale is rated by 0-100. Any number greater
than 58 is considered proper nutritional choices. Of the thirty patients twelve (40%) were below the 58
value and eighteen (60%) were above the 58 value. (30%) of the patients were smokers.
Evaluation/Conclusion: ​Of the main risk factors above, (90%) of patients had high cholesterol, (40%) of
patients could improve their diet, and (50%) of the patients are considered obese. (60%) of the patients
were male which is consistent with the statement that heart disease is more common in men. Data from
the other risk factors are also significant in preventing heart disease. Blood pressure screenings, blood
sugar screenings, lifestyle and exercise questionnaires and getting a yearly check-up can serve as effective
strategies and preventive measures for cardiovascular disease and the issues associated. If people stayed
compliant with these ideas it would reduce the number of people affected each year.