1 The physical exam of a young healthy female indicated a RBC count of 5,400,000/mm 3 and a hematocrit of 47%.

1 The physical exam of a young healthy female indicated a RBC count of 5,400,000/mm3 and a hematocrit of 47%. Subsequent tests were completed a few weeks after the initial ones and resulted in an increase in both. When asked if any circumstances had changed in her life recently, she admitted to taking up smoking. Describe ways her new habit may have an effect on her RBC count and the physiological connection with other body systems

2

This is based on a a true story:

In 1991, "Angela" went to the Emergency Room (ER) with chest pains twice in one week. Her diagnosis in each case was ulcers (bleeding in the stomach). During the second visit, her pain became very intense. The ER staff said there was nothing they could do, but Angela refused to leave and was admitted for observation. Later, the doctor on duty saw her EKG (electrical heart patterns) and asked, "Where's the 34-year-old who had the massive heart attack?" The ER staff had thought she was too young to have a myocardial infarction or "heart attack", but it is not unknown for a person in their 30's to develop this condition.

Angela had emergency surgery, but the damage to her heart was done; only part of her heart muscle functions. She had to quit a job she loved and her life is completely changed.

Research and discuss ONE of the following topics (be sure to reference your source(s) of information):

• heart disease among women
• heart disease in people under 40 years old
• heart disease in people under 20 years old

Additionally, what do you believe the public should know about heart disease in women and/or young people?

3 Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) is a very common condition in the United States and is a leading cause of disability among people older than 50. It is more common in smokers, people with diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol. Many people seem to think that this is a normal part of aging, and that nothing can be done or that the only alternative is surgery. Today, however, surgery is only one of several effective treatments available for peripheral vascular disease. Research and discuss the some of the debilitating issues associated with PVD and one non-surgical treatment that would be helpful for people with this condition. Be sure to give a reference for any outside sources you use in your posting