PCNA Partners with ACC for Joint Symposium on Lifestyle Management as a Key Method for Heart Failure Prevention

Monday, 04 March 2013 10:00

SAN FRANCISCO, March 4, 2013

The Preventive Cardiovascular Nurses Association (PCNA) and the American College of Cardiology (ACC) will host a Joint Symposium at the American College of Cardiology’s 62nd Annual Scientific Sessions from 8:00a.m. to 9:30a.m.on Monday, March 11, 2013. The joint session will focus on the importance of proper lifestyle management as a key method for heart failure prevention. This is the second year PCNA and ACC will be collaborating on a joint symposium at the scientific sessions.

Location: Convention Center West, Room 3010

Contact: Abby Despins, 920.606.2115, adespins@pcna.net

The 90-minute symposium will include:

• Welcome and Symposium Objectives, Barbara Fletcher, Jacksonville, Fla. and Joseph S. Alpert, Tucson, Ariz.
• Physician Directed/Nurse Managed Care Models, Kathy Berra, Palo Alto, Calif.
• Management of Patients with Devices, Richard L. Page, Madison, Wis.
• Exacerbation of Heart Failure, Michael S. Kiernan, Wellesley, Mass.
• Role of the Pharmacist, David Parra, West Palm Beach, Fla.
• Physical Activity, Diet and Lifestyle Changes, Ileana L. Piña, Cleveland, Ohio
• Home Health Self Care Management, Susan J. Wingate, Silver Spring, Md.

Good management of heart failure encompasses all of the required modifications in a patient’s lifestyle to ensure their risk of first-time or repeat heart failure is reduced.  Coordination among the various health professionals assisting the patient is vital for patient success. Speakers will advise how to efficiently work together to provide the most effective patient care.

The relationship between at-risk patients and their team of integrated health care providers is also of critical importance as the team assists the patient in minimizing risk and improving heart health.  Speakers will discuss ways how providers can assist patients in managing all the facets of a new heart healthy lifestyle.

“This session highlights the importance of utilizing a team approach in care of patients with a chronic cardiovascular disease-in this case Heart Failure,” says Barbara Fletcher, RN, MN, FAHA, FPCNA, FAAN, Clinical Associate Professor in the School of Nursing, College of Health, University of North Florida, Jacksonville, Florida and Project Development Chair on the PCNA Executive Board of Directors.

“Treatment and management are key for better patient outcomes.  This can include devices as well as pharmacological or non-pharmacological management.  Patients are part of the team and they have a role too.  Now and in the future, home self care will be vital in improving clinical outcomes.”

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About PCNA: The Preventive Cardiovascular Nurses Association (PCNA) is the leading nursing organization dedicated to preventing cardiovascular disease (CVD) through assessing risk, facilitating lifestyle changes, and guiding individuals to achieve treatment goals. The mission of PCNA is to promote nurses as leaders in the prevention and management of cardiovascular disease. PCNA does this by educating and supporting nurses through the development of professional and patient education, leadership, and advocacy. For more information call 1-608-250-2440 or visit pcna.net.