The danger of underdiagnosing coronary microvascular disease in women.

ABSTRACT: Heart disease is the number one killer of women in the United States. Part of the difficulty with diagnosing heart disease in women is related to a disease process called coronary microvascular disease (CMVD; previously called syndrome X). Also known as nonobstructive coronary artery disease, CMVD is challenging to identify because often there is a lack of convincing evidence of an acute problem during evaluation. In these patients, the epicardial coronary arteries do not have visible blockages, and stress tests often are interpreted as normal or false positive. Therefore, symptomatic patients often are left undiagnosed, frustrated, and at risk of adverse cardiac events. Frequently, the only method of diagnosis is treatment of the symptoms. This information is provided to help advanced practice nurses and other clinicians diagnose and treat CMVD.

Mentoring and Support for Underrepresented Nursing Faculty: An Integrative Research Review.

BACKGROUND: Nursing faculty members may need several mentors to succeed in scholarly productivity, career development, work-life balance, and socialization in the academy. Underrepresented (UR) faculty report additional challenges to success. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to search the literature for best practices in mentoring UR faculty. METHODS: An integrative review was conducted to identify best and evidence-based practices for mentoring UR faculty, including gender, sexual minority, race, ethnicity, and geographic remoteness (rural). Fifteen articles were rated on evidence and methodological quality. RESULTS: Successful mentorship programs include honest communication, including all stakeholders in forming a mentoring program, goals and activities that come from the mentees, and guaranteed resources. CONCLUSIONS: Underrepresented nursing faculty may benefit from formal mentoring programs, but more research is needed.