A significant portion of the world population is currently grappling with what has been termed as a “silent epidemic,” which comprises a category of diseases called chronic conditions. These are long-lasting conditions that often require ongoing medical care.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 6 in 10 adults in the U.S. live with at least one chronic condition, while 4 in 10 have two or more. This explains why timely interventions and personalised treatment is a dire necessity to prevent disability and premature death.
With Lakewood Primary Care and Wellness, our mission is to help you with early diagnosis, personalized care and preventive screenings before things take a turn for the worse.
1. Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
Without a doubt, one of the most common and widespread chronic conditions worldwide is hypertension. The condition occurs when heightened force or pressure of the blood against the artery walls put strain on the heart and blood vessels, eventually weakening them.
It is often tagged as the “silent killer,” primarily because hypertension rarely shows symptoms until serious complications like a heart attack or stroke.
Risk factors:
- Family history of hypertension
- Obesity
- High sodium intake
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Chronic stress and poor sleep
The care approach involves regular blood pressure monitoring, proper diet, exercise and stress management. Also, being on the prescription medications is recommended at times and ensure that you are getting ongoing monitoring.
2. High Cholesterol (Hyperlipidemia)
The need for cholesterol is undeniable. We need it for a lot of systemic functions. However, the villain is the excess of too much “bad” LDL cholesterol in the blood, which contributes to plaque buildup in the arteries, causing narrowing, reduced blood flow and heightened blood pressure.
In short, when you have chronically high cholesterol levels in the blood, it significantly increases your risks of cardiovascular diseases.
Risk factors:
- Diet high in saturated fats and trans fats
- Diabetes
- Smoking
- Genetic predisposition
Usually, high cholesterol levels (for the most part) are associated with our lifestyle. So, the primary care approach is to start with routine lipid panel testing, nutritional counseling to ensure that you are eating the right foods and frequent physical activity throughout the week.
3. Diabetes (Type 2)
Unlike Type-1 diabetes, which is an autoimmune disorder, type-2 diabetes is usually a lifestyle and metabolic disorder. It occurs when the cells in the body become insulin resistant or there isn’t enough insulin produced by the pancreas, leading to chronically high blood glucose levels.
Risk factors:
- Overweight or obesity
- Family history of diabetes
- Poor diet high in refined carbs and sugar
- Physical inactivity
For type-2 diabetes, the first step of care and treatment starts with regular blood glucose and HbA1c monitoring. Beyond the prescription medications, the patient is also advised to undergo a comprehensive diabetes education involving their diet, exercise and medication. Also, preventative care for complications is also necessary.
4. Heart Disease
Heart disease encompasses several conditions, including coronary artery disease, heart failure, and arrhythmias. Surprisingly, it is also the leading cause of death across the United States (also the world), responsible for nearly 1 in 5 deaths in the U.S.
Risk factors:
- Smoking
- Poor diet and obesity
- Lack of physical activity
- Family history of cardiovascular disease
The onset of heart disease starts early and we often don’t realize something is wrong until the condition has advanced. This explains why early detection through routine screenings like blood tests, EKGs, cholesterol tests, etc., is recommended. Also, if you are a smoker or heavy drinker, those need to be stopped immediately too. Beyond that, lifestyle modifications and ongoing monitoring under a cardiologist is necessary for advanced care.
5. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
COPD is one of the leading chronic respiratory complications, one that is progressive in nature. This means that it keeps getting worse with time. The condition usually comprises diseases like chronic bronchitis and emphysema, which cause airflow obstruction, making breathing difficult.
Risk factors:
- Long-term smoking (primary cause)
- Occupational exposure to dust or chemicals
- Environmental pollutants
For diagnosis and timely monitoring, pulmonary function tests are a must. If you are a smoker, ceasing the habit is the next step in the treatment. Beyond that, depending on the severity, inhaler or oxygen therapy might be recommended.
6. Arthritis
Often brushed aside as “simple joint pain,” arthritis is one of the most frustrating chronic diseases to deal with. It causes inflammation of the joints, which causes pain, stiffness and reduced mobility. Some of the common types of arthritis include osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Risk factors:
- Age (more common in older adults)
- Obesity (increases joint stress)
- Family history of arthritis
- Previous joint injuries
Following diagnosis, the first line of treatment usually starts with pain management with NSAIDs or other medications. For overweight or obese patients, weight management is heavily recommended. If the condition has progressed to an advanced stage, joint injections and physical therapy also helps.
7. Asthma
Another chronic respiratory complication that deserves to be discussed is asthma. It involves a chronic inflammation of the airways, which contributes to recurrent episodes of wheezing, shortness of breath and coughing too.
Risk factors:
- Allergies and family history
- Exposure to environmental triggers (dust, pollen, smoke)
- Respiratory infections in childhood
The first step is conducting a spirometry to diagnose and monitor the extent of the complication. As for the primary care, patients are prescribed inhalers and our doctors at Lakewood Primary Care and Wellness also provide in-depth rundown of the triggers one needs to avoid. Also, ongoing monitoring is necessary to prevent severe attacks.
8. Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
As the name suggests, chronic kidney disease is a chronic condition where the kidneys lose their ability to proactively filter the waste and excess fluids from the blood. This, in turn, causes fluid buildup in the body and other renal complications.
Risk factors:
- Diabetes (leading cause)
- High blood pressure
- Family history of kidney disease
- Chronic use of certain painkillers
If you are noticing fluid buildup in the body, it could be sign of CKD, so the first step is to undergo kidney function tests to assess the kidney health. Furthermore, for diabetics and hypertensive patients, management of these conditions is crucial for treating CKD. For advanced stages, early referral to nephrology is mandatory.
9. Obesity
Obesity is more than “being fat” or having excess body weight. It is one of the leading chronic metabolic disorders, which increase the chances of one developing numerous health issues including diabetes, heart disease, sleep apnea, and certain cancers.
Risk factors:
- Poor diet and sedentary lifestyle
- Genetics and hormonal imbalances
- Mental health factors such as stress eating or depression
When you are obese, the primary care approach is all around weight management strategies. From modifying the patient’s diet to be in calorie deficit to ensuring exercise to boost blood circulation and metabolism, obesity requires a holistic treatment approach. In extremely advanced cases, bariatric surgeries or certain medications like GLP-1 agonists might be prescribed too.
10. Depression
Not just physical complications, chronic diseases also comprise mental illnesses like depression. It is a condition characterized by persistent sadness, loss of interest, and fatigue. At times, depression co-exists with other chronic illnesses, further worsening the outcomes.
Risk factors:
- Family history of mental illness
- Chronic stress or trauma
- Substance abuse
- Medical illnesses and chronic pain
Treating depression often starts with mental health screenings during the routine check-ups. Depending on the patient’s comfort, counseling, therapy or psychiatric referrals are involved too. Also, prescription of antidepressants is given when appropriate.
Taking Control of Your Health with Lakewood Primary Care and Wellness!
Chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, arthritis, COPD, and depression affect millions of Americans, often overlapping and complicating treatment. The key to managing these illnesses and maintaining a high quality of life lies in a proactive and collaborative approach to your healthcare.
At Lakewood Primary Care and Wellness, we partner with our patients to achieve optimal well-being. Our approach is rooted in the belief that true health involves a 360-degree view of your life.
Contact us at 214-810-4331 or book an appointment online to achieve better health outcomes and live a fuller life.
