Chronic conditions have become a real concern among people in the current world because they require ongoing management and treatment. Most people usually suffer from one chronic condition, while others may simultaneously have two or more conditions. In this case, you are required to go for regular check-ups for early diagnosis so that you can commence their management before serious complications arise. You can therefore take on chronic disease management new braunfels services, especially if you are interested in learning various ways of managing your condition to help you live a better life. Discussed below are examples of common chronic conditions you need to know about.
Hypertension
It is one of the common chronic conditions affecting most people and is commonly referred to as a silent killer because it rarely shows symptoms. However, in most cases, high blood pressure usually damages your blood vessels, thus increasing your chances of developing serious diseases such as heart attack and stroke. If you are hypertensive, you can reduce high blood pressure by reducing stress, monitoring your blood pressure regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and reducing alcohol and salt intake.
Arthritis
The most common form of arthritis affecting most people is osteoarthritis, and it mainly involves breaking down the cartilage found in joints. As a result, you begin experiencing inflammation and swelling, leading to stiffness and pain. Some of the symptoms of arthritis, such as stiffness and aches, can be dismissed, but chronic arthritis pain may require some lifestyle changes to help alleviate it. Therefore, you can manage the symptoms of arthritis include avoiding smoking, exercising regularly, avoiding joint injuries, and maintaining a healthy weight.
Coronary heart disease
Coronary heart disease is also referred to as ischemic heart disease, mainly caused by the accumulation of plaque in arteries leading to your heart. As a result, the amount of blood reaching the heart reduces, thus leading to serious complications such as angina, blood clots, or heart attack. However, you can manage ischemic heart disease by reducing stress, not smoking, reducing trans and saturated fats, exercising regularly, and sleeping for approximately seven to eight hours every night.
Diabetes
Diabetes is often characterized by increased glucose in your bloodstream because your body fails to produce enough insulin. As a result, there is insufficient insulin to convert the glucose and have it stored in your body, thus accumulating in your bloodstream, causing your sugar levels to rise. If the sugars are not controlled, they may damage your kidneys, eyes, heart, nerves, gums, and blood vessels. In most cases, people with diabetes are likely to develop stroke or heart disease. You can prevent diabetes by eating a healthy diet, losing excess weight, and exercising regularly.
Chronic kidney disease
Serious kidney disease often reduces your kidney function with time, increasing your risk of developing kidney failure or heart disease. You can reduce its symptoms by taking prescribed medication, reducing your risk of hypertension and diabetes, and regular screening.
Other common chronic diseases include heart failure, high cholesterol, depression, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, Alzheimer’s, and dementia. Therefore, if you have been diagnosed with any of these conditions, you should consult your primary care provider, who will guide you on various ways of managing your condition to ensure you are living a better life. Therefore, you can schedule your appointment at Direct Primary Care New Braunfels today and get educated on various ways to manage your condition to help you live longer.
