Chronic Conditions
Do you want a better quality of life and better health in your middle and older years? There is now a solid body of medical research showing that patients who have one or more chronic diseases like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease or diabetes can live longer lives, have fewer heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure and other complications if they succeed in reaching specific goals for their conditions.
PriMed Physicians is dedicated to be the best medical group in the nation at getting our patients who have chronic diseases like high blood pressure and diabetes to their treatment goal. We know from the medical research that this will help our patients live a longer and, most importantly, a better life.
High Blood Pressure
High Blood Pressure, or hypertension, is known as the “silent killer” as there are no symptoms. Nearly one-third of people with hypertension don’t even know they have it. If uncontrolled, hypertension can lead to stroke, heart attack, heart failure or kidney failure. The only way to find out if you have this disease is to have your blood pressure checked, which is quick and painless. If you have high blood pressure, you can do a lot to reduce it, so work with a PriMed physician to determine the best treatment for you.
A recent research report by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services indicates that only 34% of the patients under treatment for high blood pressure have been able to lower their blood pressure to the proper level, the level that will help them be healthier. At PriMed Physicians, we feel that this national statistic in unacceptable and we are highly dedicated to achieve better results for our patients.
One tool that we have found very helpful in managing high blood pressure is the Impedance Cardiography test, or ICG test. This is a painless and quick test that allows you and your doctor to see what is contributing to your high blood pressure. The report from the ICG test is available minutes after the test is finished and helps your doctor to select the right drugs and the right dosage to successfully manage your condition.
Keeping Your Blood Pressure at Goal
- Take all your medicines. Some people don’t like to take medications, but taking blood pressure medicine is much better for you than having high blood pressure. If your blood pressure remains high it can hurt your brain, your heart, your kidneys and your arteries.
- If you think or fear that your medicine is causing an effect, tell your doctor about whatever you have experienced.
- Exercise at least a little bit. Take at least a few walks each week. It really helps.
- See your doctor at the time you agreed to meet next. Your physician will want to check your progress so they can adjust your medicines, if necessary.
- Don’t hesitate to mention any problems or issues or ask your doctor any questions about your blood pressure, the drugs you are taking or any other health concern that you may have.
For more information on high blood pressure visit the American Heart Assocation. 
DASH Diet - Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension
Reduce elevated blood pressure levels by following this clinically proven eating plan. Access a week’s worth of sample menus, recipes, heart healthy dishes and a chart to help with meal planning and food shopping.
Diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic disease that can be managed through lifestyle changes and medication. Nearly 21 million Americans have diabetes, and another 41 million have pre-diabetes. Whether you just found out you have diabetes or have been living with it for years, you can control your diabetes and live a long, active life. And if you are at risk or have pre-diabetes, you can take small steps to prevent the disease.
Diabetes is a serious disease, but it is controllable. Learn more about the disease, treatments, monitoring, and preventing severe complications by talking with your PriMed physician.
Many PriMed physicians have been awarded recognition by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) for providing quality care for their patients with diabetes. This program was developed in conjunction with the American Diabetes Association and has been awarded for three years as of January 31, 2006.
If you have, or think you may be at risk for diabetes, contact PriMed Physicians for the quality care you deserve.
