Comprehensive General primary care
Comprehensive General primary care includes management of chronic medical conditions including hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and COPD. We collaborate with each patient to develop evidence based individualized treatment plans to get your conditions to desired goals.. We also address acute issues including respiratory infections, minor acute injuries, bladder and skin infections.
Commonly Asked Questions
What is Hypertension?
Hypertension is defined as a rise in blood pressure; specifically, a systolic blood pressure that exceeds 140mmHg and/or a diastolic blood pressure that exceeds 90mmHg. Hypertension is a silent killer – it has a myriad of complications, such as dilation of the chambers of the heart and eventual heart failure, acceleration of atherosclerosis, stroke, kidney failure and retinal damage which can lead to a loss of vision. These complications underscore the importance of diagnosing hypertension early and managing it well.
What is Diabetes Mellitus?
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disease which can result in elevated blood glucose levels. This is a consequence of reduced insulin secretion, ineffective insulin action or a combination of both. Diabetes has classic symptoms – increased urination, increased thirst and an increased appetite. These symptoms are a direct effect of elevated glucose levels. Other systemic symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, fatigue and irritability are frequently experienced by diabetics. Patients with diabetes are also at a higher risk of developing infections, and may experience recurrent infections of the urinary tract, skin and oral cavity. They also have delayed wound healing.
What is Hyperlipidemia?
Hyperlipidaemia is characterized by elevated cholesterol levels. It is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease and premature death. It is diagnosed on a lipid panel screen as part of a routine healthcare evaluation. The major risk factors for developing hyperlipidemia include a diet that is rich in saturated fats, trans fats, red meat, whole milk and sugar-dense foods, obesity, alcohol consumption, hypothyroidism, diabetes mellitus and HIV. Drugs such as corticosteroids, anti-retrovirals and certain anti-hypertensives can also cause hyperlipidemia.
Why is screening for these important?
Hypertension, diabetes mellitus and hyperlipidaemia are widely prevalent and preventable diseases. They are also silent killers in that their symptoms may be understated early in their presentation and are often detected years after their inception. We strongly believe that prevention is better than cure, and work with our patients every step of the way to ensure that they are optimally screened and managed appropriately.
