Mini Case Study

Mini Case Study: Patient F is an African American woman, 36 years of age, with a history of mild hypertension. Her blood pressure has been fairly well-controlled on an ACE inhibitor over the past two years. Patient F eats a well-balanced, nutritious diet, exercises three to five times a week, and does not have a history of smoking or alcohol use. However, she does exhibit many of the characteristics of the Type A behavior pattern, such as excessive competitiveness, being harried, and rushing to complete more and more tasks in an ever-shrinking period of time. In addition to these characteristics, she exhibits a somewhat cynical or negative outlook with occasional expression of hostile or angry thoughts and feelings.

Address the following questions:

1. What could have been done to prevent the chronic condition?

2. Knowing what you do about different approaches to medicine (traditional and CAM), what practice would you suggest? Would it be a combination of the two? Provide specific details.

3. What small changes could the individual make to improve her condition?