Archives for September 2020

Facts About Heart Disease

Heart disease, also known as cardiovascular disease, is the leading cause of death of men and women in the United States. It is a serious condition that occurs when the heart and blood vessels do not function properly. It, According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 17.9 million people worldwide die each year from heart disease, representing 31% of all global deaths.

It is usually referred to as a “silent threat” because many people do not experience any symptoms until a heart attack or stroke occurs. Around 1 in 5 heart attacks occur without the person being aware that they even had a heart condition. Cardiovascular symptoms including chest pain, shortness of breath, pain or numbness in your arms or legs, confusion, loss of consciousness, and blurred vision require immediate emergency medical attention.

What Causes Heart Disease?

The most common cause of heart disease is the narrowing or blockage of the arteries that supply blood to the heart. This canlead to a heart attack, angina (chest pain) or stroke. Other forms of heart disease can affect the heart muscle, valves, or rhythm. Many forms of heart disease can be prevented or treated successfully with lifestyle changes and making healthier choices.

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)

This is the most common type of heart disease, with approximately 18.2 million adults aged 20 and over living with the disease. It develops when the major blood vessels are damaged which can cause them to narrow or get blocked, obstructing blood flow to the heart. Other causes of heart disease are high blood pressure, heart valve problems, abnormal heart rhythms, and infections or toxins that weaken the heart. Cholesterol-containing fatty deposits, known as plaquethat can build up in the arteries, and inflammation are to blame for the condition.

Reducing Risk Factors for Heart Disease

Certain medical conditions and lifestyle choices can put people at higher risk for heart disease and it is believed that around half of Americans have at least one key risk factor, which can include:

  • High blood pressure
  • High blood cholesterol
  • Diabetes
  • Being overweight/obesity
  • Smoking
  • Physical inactivity
  • Poor diet
  • Excessive alcohol consumption

A heart disease can be life threatening, but many heart attacks and strokes can be avoided. The American Heart Association states that 80% of cases can be prevented by avoiding tobacco use, maintaining a healthy diet, taking regular exercise, and having regular health checks. For the average individual, maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking, and controlling blood sugar, pressure and cholesterol levels, can add 10 years to their lifespan and reverse certain risk factors for heart disease.

While a heart disease can usually be treated with lifestyle changes and medications, surgery may be required depending on the type of heart condition being diagnosed.

Advanced Health Care in Wellington and Royal Palm Beach, Florida

At Advanced Medical, we diagnose and treat heart disease, including coronary artery disease, along with many other medical conditions and urgent care needs. For your convenience, we offer advanced and customized treatment options for people of all ages, and can offer many on-site services such as an electrocardiogram (EKG) echocardiography, and pulmonary function testing.

If you are looking for quality medical care, turn to board-certified internist Dr. Gunawardene at one of our convenient locations in Wellington and Royal Palm Beach, Florida. For more information, call us today at (561) 434-1935, or you can request an appointment online.

6 Causes of Serious Headaches

The pain from headaches and migraines can interfere with your daily life. You might not function at work as you should. The discomfort may even disrupt the time you spend with your family. When you understand the causes of serious headaches, you will know when you should visit a primary care provider or someone who is an expert in Wellington family practice. The most common causes are:

1. Brain Infection

A brain infection, though not a common cause of serious headache, is a problem that can cause serious complications. Therefore, you should take notice if you have a serious headache accompanied by any of these symptoms:

  • Delayed Speech
  • Vision Changes
  • Muscle Function Changes
  • Vomiting
  • Fever
  • Chills

A brain infection usually stems from one of the following microbes:

  • Virus
  • >Bacteria
  • Fungi

2. Hormone Headaches

If you’re a woman, you may experience hormone-related headaches triggered by changes in your estrogen levels. For example, you may notice your headaches occur before your menstrual cycle. Pregnancy, perimenopause, birth control medications, and menopause can all cause serious headaches due to hormone changes.

Hormone headaches in men can occur as well. Specifically, men who have low testosterone levels are more likely to experience chronic migraines than men with normal testosterone levels.

3. Hemicrania Continua

This particular type of headache usually causes moderate pain, but you can experience bouts of severe pain. Keep in mind that the headaches from hemicrania continua happen daily, and you won’t have any periods without pain. In some cases, this type of headache will cause migraine-like symptoms like sensitivity to light, nausea, and vomiting.

The cause of hemicrania continua isn’t known, but a specialist in family medicine Royal Palm Beach can prescribe a medication to manage your pain and other symptoms.

4. Sleep Deprivation

Your body requires an adequate amount of sleep to function normally. When you don’t receive enough sleep, you may develop headaches or migraines during the times when you lack sleep.

Moreover, sleep and headache disorders both rely on the same brain structures, which make you more prone to serious headaches.

5. High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, classifies as a silent condition because it doesn’t cause any symptoms. However, when your blood pressure levels unusually rise , you may develop a severe headache.

Generally, mild or moderate hypertension won’t cause headaches, which is when your blood pressure is between 140 to 159 over 90 to 99 or 160 to 179 over 100 to 190.

6. Meningitis

Meningitis is a term that describes inflammation  of the membranes surrounding your spinal cord and brain. In the United States, a majority of cases start with a viral infection.

The initial symptoms of meningitis often mirror symptoms of the flu. Your neck could feel stiff, and you may even experience excessive sleepiness. Severe headaches and headaches accompanied by nausea and vomiting could occur, too.

A primary care provider at Royal Palm Beach can diagnose and treat severe headaches. Therefore, you can go back to living your normal life without the debilitating headaches that interfere with your daily life.

Contact Advanced Medical PA — a family medicine practice that serves Wellington and the surrounding Florida area — today for relief from your serious headaches. Call us at (561) 315-4172. While we’d love to speak to you personally, for your convenience, you can also use our online appointment form.