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Gladys Castillano

Primary Care Medicine: What You Need to Know

Proper medical care and attention are crucial for maintaining overall health. A primary care physician is essential in managing preventative check-ups, treating illnesses and injuries, providing immunizations, and other vital processes that help keep us healthy.

You may wonder when primary care is right for you and how to ensure your primary care provider can meet your specific needs. In this article, we will explain everything you need to know about primary care medicine and why it is an important part of any plan for staying healthy.

What Is Primary Care?

Primary care is the foundation of our healthcare system and includes a broad range of medical services essential for maintaining good overall health. Generally speaking, the primary care physician is the patient’s first point of contact with the healthcare system and provides a wide range of preventive and basic medical care. Primary care medicine includes preventive measures such as immunizations, health screenings and counseling, and the management of chronic disease.

Primary care also provides care for acute illnesses, injuries, and infections. Primary care physicians work closely with patients to coordinate treatment with specialists when needed. Ultimately, the goal of primary care is to keep patients healthy and avoid unnecessary hospitalizations or emergency room visits.

Why Is It Important To Have A Primary Care Provider

Having a primary care provider is crucial for maintaining optimal health and well-being. Having a provider who knows your medical history and can provide continuity of care is especially important in managing chronic conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease. Primary care providers focus on preventive care and encourage regular check-ups and screenings. By detecting potential health issues early on, they can be treated before they become more serious and difficult to manage.

In addition, primary care is typically more cost-effective than specialty care or emergency room visits, making it a valuable resource for managing your healthcare needs. Studies have shown that individuals who have a primary care provider have better health outcomes, including lower rates of hospitalizations and longer life expectancy.

Find the Right Primary Care Provider

When you need to find a primary care doctor, it is important to choose someone who understands your individual health needs and can provide personalized care. Start by doing your research and checking out reviews from other patients but remember that everyone’s experience may be different. Consider the provider’s qualifications and experience, as well as their communication style and bedside manner.

It is also important to make sure that the provider accepts your insurance and is conveniently located for you. Do not be afraid to schedule a consultation to get to know the provider better and ask any questions or voice any concerns you may have. With a little bit of effort and patience, you can find the perfect primary care provider to help you achieve your health goals.

Choosing Your Primary Care Provider

There are several factors to consider when making your selection, such as the location, hours of operation, and the qualifications of the providers. Additionally, it is important to consider the practice’s approach to healthcare and whether it aligns with your personal beliefs and values. A good primary care practice should prioritize communication and collaboration with their patients to ensure that their healthcare needs are met.

Take the time to research and visit different practices to find the one that feels comfortable for you. Your primary care provider will play an integral role in your healthcare journey, so it is worth investing the time and effort to find a practice that you feel comfortable with.

Family Medicine Doctor in Wellington and Royal Palm Beach, Florida

Finding a quality family medicine facility near you is as easy as calling Advanced Medical Clinic. Our team of dedicated, compassionate board-certified doctors is proud to offer comprehensive, personalized care to you and your family members. Whether you are feeling like you have the flu or need help managing your chronic condition, you can rely on the doctors at Advanced Medical Clinic.

To make an appointment with our primary care doctors, call us today at (561) 434-1935. You can also make an appointment online using our convenient online appointment request form.

A Comprehensive Guide to Finding Primary Care Doctors Near You

Choosing a primary care doctor is an important decision, as your choice could impact the quality of medical treatment and services you receive. To make the task easier, this comprehensive guide covers everything from how to conduct research on potential doctors to examples of how to find reliable health professionals near you.

Identify Your Needs

When it comes to healthcare, identifying your specific needs is crucial in finding the right type of care. Take some time to think about whether you require family medicine or internal medicine. Family medicine practitioners offer comprehensive care for patients of all ages, while internal medicine specialists focus on adult health concerns.

Another option might be a specialist in a certain area, such as a cardiologist or dermatologist. By considering your individual health needs, you can make an informed decision about the best available care. Remember, taking the time to evaluate and prioritize your healthcare needs is a major step toward achieving optimal health and well-being.

Do Your Homework

Taking care of our health is essential, and finding a primary care doctor who can guide us toward optimal wellness is crucial. Fortunately, in this digital age, searching for medical professionals in our area has become easier than ever. By using the internet, we can browse through a pool of highly qualified primary care doctors in our locality.

These doctors can offer personalized care, preventative measures, and acute treatment for various illnesses. Whether you need a regular check-up, vaccination, or treatment for a chronic condition, a primary care doctor can provide the medical expertise and care that you need.

Ask For Recommendations

When it comes to making important decisions, there is nothing quite like getting a personal recommendation from someone you trust. That is why asking friends and family can be such a valuable strategy for finding the right primary care provider.

Make a Few Calls

Taking the first step towards finding a new doctor can be overwhelming, but making an initial call to their office can provide clarity and ease any concerns. Asking about their services, accepted insurance plans, and availability can give you a comprehensive understanding of the care they provide. It is important to feel comfortable and confident in your healthcare provider, and reaching out to their office is a great starting point. Do not hesitate to ask questions and make sure to take notes to keep yourself informed. Making that initial call could be the beginning of a long-term, beneficial relationship with your doctor.

Check Out Online Reviews

When it comes to choosing a doctor, it is important to consider more than just their qualifications and expertise. You want to feel comfortable and at ease with the entire experience, from booking an appointment to interacting with the nurse and office staff. Reading online reviews of the doctor and their practice can help you get a sense of what to expect.

You can learn about other patients’ experiences, including their wait times, the friendliness of the front desk staff, and the doctor’s bedside manner. While one or two negative reviews may not necessarily be cause for concern, consistently poor feedback should raise a red flag. Take the time to do your research and make an informed decision about your healthcare provider.

Schedule an Appointment

Making the decision to find a new doctor can be a daunting task. You want someone who is not only experienced and knowledgeable, but who also fits your personality and communication style. That is why a meet-and-greet appointment can be incredibly valuable. This is an opportunity to sit down with the doctor in person, ask any questions you may have, and get a feel for their approach to medicine. You will be able to assess if this is someone you feel comfortable working with and trust to guide your healthcare decisions.

Family Medicine Doctor in Wellington and Royal Palm Beach, Florida

Finding a quality family medicine facility near you is as easy as calling Advanced Medical Clinic. Our team of dedicated, compassionate board-certified doctors is proud to offer comprehensive, personalized care to you and your family members. Whether you are feeling like you have the flu or need help managing a chronic condition, you can rely on the team at Advanced Medical Clinic.

To make an appointment with one of our primary care doctors, call us today at (561) 434-1935. You can also make an appointment online using our convenient online appointment request form.

7 Tips for Finding a Family Medicine Facility Near You

There are many things to consider when trying to find a family medicine facility near you. With all the different factors you need to look out for, finding a facility near you can often feel like an overwhelming task – but it doesn’t have to be. Here are seven tips for finding the best family medicine facility for yourself and your family near you.

1. Consider the Location

When finding the right family medicine facility, you want to make sure it’s in the right location. Most often, we find patients only want to travel within 30 minutes of their home or office to see their primary care physician. If you’re searching for a family medicine doctor for yourself and your loved ones around Wellington or Royal Palm Beach, Florida, consider a convenient facility like Advanced Medical Clinic.

2. Ask About Services

When choosing a family medicine doctor to be your primary care provider, you want to make sure they offer the services you and your loved ones need. Common family medicine services patients typically search for when looking for a family medicine doctor include:

  • School, work, and sports physicals
  • Chronic condition management
  • Treatment for a cough, cold, or flu
  • Mental health treatment
  • Treatment for car accidents/trauma

3. Look for Board-Certified Doctors

One of the most important factors to consider when finding a primary care family medicine provider near you is finding a board-certified doctor with plenty of experience. Board certifications are indications for patients that a doctor is highly trained in their field. It means they could take and pass an all-encompassing medical exam in their field. Board certifications hold their doctors to high standards, ensuring you get the care you need and deserve.

4. Ask About Referrals

Your primary care family medicine doctor should be your go-to resource for all your medical needs – including referrals to specialists if you need them. Patients are often recommended to specialists if a primary care provider finds abnormalities or signs of a specific condition that a specialist in that field can better treat. For example, if you’re having signs of a heart condition, your family medicine doctor should be able to refer you to a skilled and qualified cardiologist.

5. Consider Insurance Coverage

It’s important to be practical about your health care, including paying for your family medicine services. It’s always recommended to find a family medicine doctor covered by insurance to ensure your out-of-pocket fees are kept at a minimum. If you’re unsure whether your preferred facility takes your insurance, give them a quick call to ask or contact your insurance provider for more information.

6. Look for Reviews

Before the internet, people found family medicine doctors via word of mouth. Nowadays, there are reviews and testimonials that patients can use in the same way. Check out reviews for your facility of choice to see what real patients have to say about their experience with the practice and the doctor. The better the reviews, the more likely you’ll have a positive experience at the facility.

7. Think About Your Individual Needs

Finally, and most importantly, consider your and your family member’s individual needs. Does your child have diabetes and needs help with managing their insulin levels? Or do you find you have chronic UTIs and are looking for a long-term solution? These are the questions you should be asking yourself when considering a family medicine doctor near you. Remember, services are supposed to be tailored to your individual needs. Don’t be afraid to ask for personalized care.

Family Medicine Doctor in Wellington and Royal Palm Beach, Florida

Finding a quality family medicine facility near you is as easy as calling Advanced Medical Clinic. Our team of dedicated, compassionate board-certified doctors is proud to offer comprehensive, personalized care to you and your family members. Whether you’re feeling like you have the flu or need help managing your chronic condition, you can rely on the doctors at Advanced Medical Clinic.

To make an appointment with our primary care doctors, call us today at (561) 434-1935. You can also make an appointment online using our convenient online appointment request form.

The Importance of Primary Care

Primary care encompasses your general health, from blood pressure to preventive care and even cancer detection. Recent studies have shown that primary care has declined for patients in their 30s, 40s, and 50s. Let’s talk about the importance of primary care physicians, how they can benefit you in the long run, and where you can go for outstanding primary care in Wellington or Royal Palm Beach, Florida.

Annual Wellness Exams

As a child, getting annual physicals is essential to keep health and development on track. Similarly, annual wellness exams are recommended for adults. During these wellness exams, your primary care physician will thoroughly check your medical history, talk about any concerns you may be having, and take all your vital signs to ensure you’re remaining in good health.

Someone to Rely on For Specialist Referrals

Do you have a concern that you need to see a specialist for? Your primary care physician is a source for all your medical needs, including referrals to specialists in your area. High-quality primary care doctors will vet the right specialist for you, ensuring you get the comprehensive care you deserve both inside and outside the office.

Primary Care is Also Preventive Care

Your primary care is important because it also encompasses your preventive care. Preventive care is all the diagnostic testing and screenings recommended yearly to ensure you remain in good health and don’t have any abnormalities. For example, we encourage men and women to receive regular pelvic exams, prostate exams, cervical Pap exams, and more to reduce the risk of catching cancer or tumors too late. Your primary care doctor can also help you continue your preventive care at home with tips on staying active and eating a healthy diet.

Your Primary Care Physician Knows You Best

Ultimately, it’s important to understand that your primary care physician knows you best than all your medical providers. They know your detailed medical history and have been with you through the years to know exactly what health looks like in your specific situation. Your primary care provider is who you can rely on to know you’re not feeling well and know which treatments are right for you and your lifestyle.

Primary Care Near Me

If you’re looking for a primary care provider in Wellington or Royal Palm Beach, Florida, look no further than Advanced Medical Clinic. Our team of expert primary care physicians is proud to offer high-quality, comprehensive care to men and women of all ages and backgrounds. We are also happy to offer family and internal medicine services, allowing you and your family to receive the detail-oriented, patient-centered care you all deserve.

To make an appointment with our primary care doctors, call us today at (561) 434-1935. You can also schedule a consultation using our convenient online appointment request form.

How To Find the Best Primary Care Physician for Your Health

If you’re looking for a new primary care physician, it’s important to do your research to find the best doctor for you. There are many factors to consider, such as location, hours of operation, and insurance coverage. You also want to find a doctor who is qualified and experienced in treating your specific health concerns. Use these tips to help you find the right primary care doctor for you and your family.

Decide What’s Important to You in a Primary Care Physician

When it comes to healthcare, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. What works for one person may not be the best option for another. That’s why it’s so important to find a primary care physician who is a good fit for you. The first step is to decide what’s important to you as a doctor.

Do you prefer a male or female physician? Do you want someone who is available 24/7 or who has evening and weekend hours? How important is it to you that your doctor has experience with your specific condition? Once you have a clear idea of your priorities, you can start your search for the perfect primary care physician. With a little time and effort, you’re sure to find a doctor who meets your needs and provides the quality care you deserve.

Ask Your Friends and Family for Recommendations

Recommendations from friends and family are a great way to find a good physician. Ask around and see if anyone you know has a doctor they love. If you have a specific health concern, see if anyone you know has a doctor they would recommend for that condition. You can also ask your friends and family if they know of any doctors who have a good bedside manner or who are especially helpful and caring.

Once you have some recommendations, do some research on the doctors to make sure they are board certified and have experience treating patients with your particular condition.

Check Out Online Reviews

With the advent of the internet, it’s easier than ever to find reviews for just about anything – including primary care physicians. When you’re looking for a new doctor, it can be helpful to read online reviews to get an idea of what other patients have experienced. Look for doctors with high ratings and positive reviews. Checking out reviews can help you find a primary care physician who is right for you.

Schedule a Consultation with the Physicians You’re Considering

It is important to schedule a consultation before making your final decision. This will give you a chance to meet the doctor and ask any questions you may have about their practice. It’s also a good opportunity to get a feel for their bedside manner and to see if they’re someone you would feel comfortable working with on a long-term basis.

Once you’ve met with all of the doctors you’re considering, you can make an informed decision about which one is right for you.

If you’re looking for a top-tier physician to manage your health, Advanced Medical Clinic is here to help. Our team of experts will work with you to find the perfect fit for all your needs – and we’ll be with you every step of the way. Don’t wait – contact us today at (561) 434-1935!

What Are Whiplash Symptoms?

If you’ve been in a car accident and are suddenly feeling a great deal of neck pain, it’s likely you have whiplash. This common but painful condition affects millions of men and women each year and can wreak havoc on the body if not treated properly.

If you’re unsure you have whiplash, it’s important you see a medical professional to get an accurate diagnosis. Until then, let’s take a deeper dive into what whiplash is, the symptoms of whiplash, and the treatments that can help you get back to feeling like yourself again.

What Is Whiplash?

Whiplash is a common condition in which the neck is rapidly moved in a back-and-forth motion, similar to the motion of cracking a whip. Whiplash is most commonly associated with car accidents, as the jolt of the car causes a rapid movement of the neck upon impact. However, whiplash can also occur due to other traumatic injuries, like playing a contact sport or having a sudden fall.

What Are the Symptoms of Whiplash?

There is a multitude of signs and symptoms that are associated with whiplash. The most common signs and symptoms of whiplash include:

  • Neck pain
  • Stiff neck
  • Reduced range of motion in the neck
  • Headaches starting at the base of the skull
  • Tingling and numbness in the arms
  • Upper arm and shoulder pain
  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue

Less common, but more serious symptoms of whiplash include:

  • Blurred vision
  • Ringing ears
  • Mood swings
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Memory issues
  • Depression

If you’re experiencing two or more of the above symptoms, it’s important you see a medical professional as soon as possible. The sooner you receive treatment for your whiplash, the less likely it is to affect you in the long term.

Whiplash Treatments

Treatments for your whiplash will vary, but will likely include pain management, exercise, physical therapy, and stabilization.

Your pain management regimen will likely start out with over-the-counter medications, rest, and applying ice and heat to the area in cycles. If these methods do not help, prescription medications or injections may be required to help reduce your pain.

Your exercise and physical therapy plans will work hand-in-hand to ensure you strengthen the muscles in your neck. Talk to your physical therapist about which exercises you can do at home to help strengthen your neck muscles and restore your full range of motion.

Finally, stabilizing the neck with a foam collar will help take the stress off your neck while you work to strengthen your muscles once again. You may be asked to wear a foam collar for a few hours a day for several weeks. Ask your doctor what they recommend in terms of wearing your foam collar.

Whiplash Treatment in Wellington, FL

If you’re looking for whiplash treatments in Wellington and Royal Palm Beach, Florida, look no further than Advanced Medical Clinic. We take your health and wellness seriously. Our team of providers will be happy to sit down with you, listen to your concerns, evaluate your condition, and provide you with an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plan to meet your individual needs. Get the care you need for your whiplash sooner than later – you won’t regret it.

To make an appointment with one of our healthcare providers, call our staff today at (561) 434-1935, or request an appointment now by filling out our convenient online appointment request form.

The Signs and Symptoms of Hypertension

Hypertension or high blood pressure is a long-term health condition that can result in severe complications. According to an estimate, about half of all adults in the United States have high blood pressure, but surprisingly, many may not know they have it. It is also named “silent killer” because sometimes the damage due to high blood pressure may occur without you experiencing any signs and symptoms.

Let’s take a deeper look into hypertension, its stages, its signs and symptoms, and where you can go to get yourself evaluated for hypertension if you are located in Royal Palm Beach.

What is High Blood Pressure?

High blood pressure is when the force with which the blood pushes against the walls of blood vessels consistently remains too high. The blood pressure reading is two numbers. The top number is called systolic blood pressure while the bottom is known as diastolic blood pressure.

Systolic blood pressure measures the pressure on the blood vessel walls when your heart contracts or beats. On the other hand, diastolic blood pressure measures the pressure on your blood vessel walls when the heart is relaxing between the beats.

Ideal blood pressure is between 90/60mmHg and 120/80mmHg. Hypertension is when blood pressure is consistently higher than the normal range. It has three stages:

  • Stage 1 hypertension – A blood pressure between 130/80mmHg to 139/89mmHg
  • Stage 2 hypertension – A blood pressure that is 140mmHg or higher consistently
  • Hypertensive crisis – A blood pressure that is 180/120mmHg or higher

Signs and Symptoms of High Blood Pressure

Most people stay unaware of a dangerously high level of blood pressure reading because of no signs and symptoms. A high blood pressure that goes unnoticed for a prolonged period can damage many important organs such as the heart, kidneys, blood vessels, etc. This is why it is important to measure your blood pressure regularly.

Rarely, a rise in blood pressure may manifest itself in the form of:

  • Morning headaches
  • Nosebleed
  • Sweating
  • Irregular heart rhythm
  • Vision changes
  • Buzzing in ears

According to the World Health Organization, severe hypertension can have signs and symptoms like:

What Can You Do?

The procedure to measure your blood pressure is quick and painless. You can measure it at home using automated devices or ask a healthcare professional to measure it.

Measuring blood pressure every year is a must if you are between the age of 18 to 39. Your healthcare professional, especially your family doctor, may also recommend you measure your blood pressure more frequently if you have already been diagnosed with high blood pressure or have a higher risk for cardiovascular disease.

If you measure blood pressure at home and notice any abnormality, visit your doctor for further evaluation and diagnosis.

Hypertension in Royal Palm Beach

Hypertension can severely affect your overall health and well-being. If you’re concerned about your blood pressure and want to get yourself evaluated, visit our compassionate healthcare providers at Advanced Medical Clinic. We are experts in diagnosing and treating long-term health issues like hypertension. We will also educate you on how to prevent hypertension from occurring if you are at risk for it.

To make an appointment with one of our healthcare providers, call our staff today at (561) 434-1935, or request an appointment now by filling out our online form.

When To See a Doctor After Whiplash

Whiplash is a head and neck injury that happens when the soft tissues of your neck extend beyond their typical range of motion. Whiplash is a serious injury, but its symptoms aren’t immediately apparent – they could take several hours or days to develop. This is why most people forego medical evaluation after a whiplash.

Not visiting a doctor after a whiplash could jeopardize your personal injury claim, let alone put your health at risk. Therefore, it’s important to see a doctor after a whiplash injury for a thorough evaluation.

Let’s talk about how to determine your need to see a doctor after a whiplash injury and where you can go for a thorough evaluation in Wellington, FL.

Look Out for Signs and Symptoms of Whiplash

Whiplash injury most commonly occurs during a car accident, but it can also be caused by sports accidents (mainly during contact sports), physical assault (such as a punch or shaking), and falls. So, after an event like this occurs, you must look out for any whiplash symptoms you may have, such as severe pain, stiffness, and headache.

Common symptoms of whiplash you must look out for are:

  • Severe pain in the neck
  • Neck stiffness
  • Worsening of neck pain with movements
  • Headache, mostly at the base of the skull
  • Pain or tenderness in the arms, upper back, or shoulders
  • Numbness, tingling in arms or shoulders
  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue
  • Sleep disturbance
  • Ringing in ears
  • Irritability
  • Depression
  • The trouble with recalling past events
  • Trouble concentrating

It’s important to understand that certain signs and symptoms of whiplash, like numbness, tingling, or weakness in the hands or arms, could indicate a serious medical problem such as spinal nerve damage, and should be treated right away after medical evaluation.

You should see a doctor after a whiplash injury, even if you don’t have neck pain or other symptoms. This way, you can ensure that you don’t have nerve damage or broken bone.

What Can a Doctor Do for Your Whiplash Injury?

Your doctor will discuss the severity of your pain and its location. You will also be evaluated for your range of motion, reflexes, and strength in your arms and hands.

Indeed, diagnostic imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs can’t show your whiplash injury, but these tests can determine if there is any other issue, such as broken bones and soft tissue injuries.

Following a thorough medical evaluation, your doctor will make a treatment plan to:

  • Control your pain and stiffness
  • Restore your normal range of motion
  • Get back safely to your normal activities

The treatment plan may involve:

  • Pain management strategies, such as rest, heat or cold therapy, over-the-counter medications, muscle relaxants, prescription medications, and injections
  • Exercise, such as rotating, rolling, bending, and tilting
  • Foam Collars to limit neck movement
  • Physical therapy
  • Alternative medicine

Whiplash in Wellington, FL

If you or someone you love is suffering from whiplash following a car accident or physical trauma, don’t wait any longer and visit our primary care doctors at Advanced Medical Clinic to seek treatment for whiplash. We are committed to delivering personalized and comprehensive care to people of all ages for their medical problems.

To schedule an appointment with one of our dedicated primary care doctors, call us today at  (561) 434-1935. You can also request an appointment online. We look forward to helping you!

What You Need to Know About Heart Disease

Did you know that heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States and all over the world? Heart disease accounts for 697,000 deaths in the United States in 2020 alone. In addition, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 17 million people worldwide succumb to the disease every year.

Whether you’ve been diagnosed with heart disease and you want to keep yourself from becoming a statistic, or you recognize the importance of being proactive about your cardiovascular health, knowledge is key. Below are some of the things you need to know about the deadly condition.

Causes

The term “heart disease” encompasses various disorders and diseases that affect the structure and function of the heart and its blood vessels. The causes, therefore, vary depending on the specific type of cardiovascular disease.

Below are the most common types of heart disease along with some of their causes:

  • Arrhythmia – high blood pressure, excessive alcohol or caffeine intake, coronary artery disease, use of certain medications, hypertension, etc.
  • Heart failure – hypertension, damage to the heart valves, inflammation of the heart muscle, heart attack, etc.
  • Coronary artery disease – high cholesterol, diabetes, hypertension, smoking, etc.

How to Reduce Your Risk for Heart Disease

Heart disease is partly hereditary, in that your risk increases if someone in your family also suffers from it.

If you are concerned about your heart health and want to reduce your risk for the disease, below are some things you can do:

  • Getting regular exercise
  • Eating a healthy diet
  • Quitting smoking
  • Managing stress
  • Seeing your doctor regularly

Treatment for Heart Disease

Outlined below are the methods by which doctors treat heart disease:

  • Lifestyle changes – Healthy food choices (low-salt and low-fat diet); engaging in regular physical activity; managing stress; getting good sleep; and not smoking are all crucial for effective heart disease management.
  • Medications – There are many different types of medications used for treating heart disease. These include beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, statins, and more. Your doctor will work with you to find the right medication for your specific condition.
  • Use of cardiac devices –Types of implantable cardiac devices include pacemakers, implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs), stents, and artificial heart valves.
  • Surgery – Surgery is often necessary for complex heart conditions or those that don’t respond to nonsurgical treatment.

There are various types of surgical interventions for heart disease. These include coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), angioplasty/stenting procedures, valve replacement surgery, and transplantation.

Heart Disease Treatment and Management in Wellington, FL

It’s time take to take “matters of the heart” seriously! Whether you’ve been diagnosed with heart disease and you need a primary care provider to help you effectively manage your condition, or you think you’re at risk for the condition and need a comprehensive evaluation, our team is here for you.

At Advanced Medical, our board-certified primary care providers – Dr. Ishan Gunawardene, an internal medicine physician; and ShariffaGunawardene, a family nurse practitioner – recognize that patient education is an essential component of cardiovascular care. Thus, in addition to providing first-rate medical management, we delight in sharing useful information, which empowers patients to make the wisest decisions to stay on top of their cardiovascular health.

To schedule an appointment with one of our providers, call our primary care clinic today at (561) 434-1935 or use our convenient online appointment request form.

Hypertension: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), hypertension affects roughly 47 percent of the American adult population, and about 400,000 people succumb to the condition every year.

A person is considered hypertensive if their blood pressure chronically exceeds 130/80 mmHg, Hypertension puts anyone at a greater risk for potentially life-threatening complications, such as heart attack, heart failure, stroke, and sudden cardiac death.

Whether you suspect that you have hypertension or you have the risk factors for it (e.g., diabetes, excess weight problem, or unhealthy lifestyle habits), knowledge is crucial for keeping it under control and maintaining your quality of life.

Below, we’ve provided some information about hypertension, particularly its causes, symptoms, and treatment to give you a better understanding of this deadly condition.

Causes of Hypertension

Hypertension is broken down into two types: primary (essential) and secondary. The potential causes of high blood pressure vary, depending on the type, as outlined below:

  • Primary hypertension – This type has no identifiable cause but is thought to be linked to a sedentary lifestyle, poor diet, genetics, and obesity.
  • Secondary hypertension – This type is ascribed to other medical conditions, such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), thyroid problems, kidney disease, or adrenal gland tumors.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Hypertension

Hypertension has been dubbed by experts “the silent killer” and for a good reason: a person can have hypertension for years and not know it. It often doesn’t have symptoms, and if it does, they are often mistakenly attributed to other conditions.

If you experience the following, see your primary care provider for a blood pressure check:

  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest pain
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Severe headache
  • Nose bleeds
  • Swelling in the ankles, feet, legs, and abdomen
  • Vision problems
  • Fatigue
  • Anxiety

Symptoms to Watch Out For

Hypertension requires vigilance to prevent hypertensive crisis, a medical emergency characterized by a sudden and severe increase in blood pressure. This is usually caused by nonadherence to the treatment plan, severe stress or anxiety, and other conditions.

Below are the common signs and symptoms of a hypertensive crisis. If you experience any or some of these, time is of the essence – go to your nearest emergency room or call 911 for prompt intervention.

  • Blood pressure of 180/120 or higher
  • Nosebleeds
  • Seizures
  • Severe chest pain, especially if it occurs with sweating, nausea or vomiting, rapid heartbeats, shortness of breath, etc.
  • Sudden or severe headache, especially if accompanied by blurred vision and/or unilateral paralysis of the face or extremities

Treatment for Hypertension

Managing hypertension involves routine screenings, monitoring and coordinating treatment, checkups, and patient education.

Medications are the mainstay of treatment for hypertension. Your doctor may prescribe a diuretic (medications to expel excess salt and water from the body) or a combination of a diuretic and either an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor (medication to relax your blood vessels) or a beta-blocker (medication to lower your blood pressure).

Your physician will also likely give you dietary and lifestyle recommendations, such as the following, to ensure your condition is properly managed:

  • Consuming a low-fat and low-sodium diet
  • Engaging in regular physical activity
  • Lowering or avoiding caffeine and alcohol intake altogether
  • Managing stress levels
  • Monitoring your blood pressure at home
  • Quitting smoking
  • Visiting your doctor regularly

Hypertension Treatment in Wellington, FL

For top-notch hypertension treatment and management in the Wellington, Florida area, visit us here at Advanced Medical. Our team is led by two board-certified primary care providers who are best known for their comprehensive and compassionate approach to care and commitment to guiding patients along the path to optimal health and wellness.

To schedule an appointment with one of our providers, call our office today at (561) 434-1935 or use our convenient online appointment request form.