Abstract

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of mortality worldwide, accounting for over 931,000 deaths in the United States in 2021. The growing prevalence of CVD, coupled with increased life expectancy, underscores the need for early detection and intervention to mitigate its impact on patients, families, and society. Timely identification of subclinical heart disease can significantly improve outcomes by allowing earlier implementation of preventive strategies.

This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project implemented a primary care–based protocol for the early detection of coronary artery disease (CAD) using the Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) score. The CAC score, a non-invasive imaging modality, quantifies calcified plaque in coronary arteries and has demonstrated strong predictive value for future cardiovascular events. The protocol targeted patients aged 40 years and older at high risk for CAD based on modifiable risk factors, including hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes mellitus, obesity, and smoking.

The intervention aimed to standardize CAD screening within the primary care setting, improve provider adherence to evidence-based detection strategies, and increase patient awareness of cardiovascular risk. Early identification through CAC scoring supports shared decision-making, facilitates timely lifestyle modification or pharmacologic management, and has the potential to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with CVD. This project highlights the critical role of nurse practitioners in advancing cardiovascular prevention through guideline-directed screening and proactive management in primary care.

Author Details

Erika Sosa, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC - As a board-certified Nurse Practitioner with a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and specialized expertise in cardiology, I bring a patient-centered, evidence-based approach to managing complex cardiovascular conditions across diverse populations. With a strong foundation in clinical leadership, advanced diagnostics, and chronic disease management, I’m passionate about improving outcomes through education, innovation, and continuity of care.

Sigma Membership

Non-member

Lead Author Affiliation

Orlando Heart and Vascular Institute, Orlando, Florida, USA

Type

DNP Capstone Project

Format Type

Text-based Document

Study Design/Type

Clinical Practice Guideline(s)

Research Approach

Other

Keywords:

Cardiovascular Disease, Coronary Artery Disease, Early Detection, Coronary Artery Calcium Score, Primary Care, Nurse Practitioner, Preventive Care

Advisor

Shirlean Pelham-Bennett

Degree

DNP

Degree Grantor

Purdue University Global

Degree Year

2025

Rights Holder

All rights reserved by the author(s) and/or publisher(s) listed in this item record unless relinquished in whole or part by a rights notation or a Creative Commons License present in this item record. All permission requests should be directed accordingly and not to the Sigma Repository. All submitting authors or publishers have affirmed that when using material in their work where they do not own copyright, they have obtained permission of the copyright holder prior to submission and the rights holder has been acknowledged as necessary.

Review Type

None: Degree-based Submission

Acquisition

Proxy-submission

Full Text of Presentation

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