First Advisor
Leslie McBride
Date of Award
5-24-2019
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Health Studies: Health Sciences and University Honors
Department
Health Studies
Subjects
Cardiovascular system -- Diseases -- Risk factors, System theory
DOI
10.15760/honors.793
Abstract
The significant proportion of the morbidity and mortality caused by cardiovascular disease is preventable, yet it remains one of the leading causes of death among both men and women, indicating the complexity of cardiovascular disease. Cardiovascular disease is a multifaceted and persistent problem that calls for using another lens – a systems lens. A systems approach may be a useful tool to understand the structure of relationships that characterize and make cardiovascular disease so persistent and resistant to change. Therefore, the objectives of this paper were to (1) model the network of relationships that produce the epidemic of cardiovascular disease we see today, and (2) identify potential leverage points to more effectively prevent and address cardiovascular disease.
Soft systems methodology was used to guide the inquiry process. A review of the literature guided the construction of a system map of cardiovascular disease, and key leverage points identified. This paper has identified three key levers – stress, education, and purchasing power – that can be used to address cardiovascular disease, providing a visual representation of how changes in these levers could have an impact on other system variables, which eventually influence cardiovascular risk. If more attention was paid to these levers, public health interventions may be more effective in reducing morbidity and mortality of cardiovascular disease.
Rights
In Copyright. URI: http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).
Persistent Identifier
https://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/29103
Recommended Citation
Cotter, Madisen, "A Systems View of Cardiovascular Disease" (2019). University Honors Theses. Paper 775.
https://doi.org/10.15760/honors.793
Table 1.
Appendix I - Figures 3-6.docx (221908 kB)
Appendix I. Figures 3-6.