Chronic Care Specialist
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Lakeview Family Medicine
Primary Care Physicians located in Orem, UT & Saratoga Springs, UT
About 133 million Americans are living with a chronic illness. Chronic care consists of routine checkups, health counseling, medication, and treatment to ease uncomfortable symptoms and improve quality of life. At Lakeview Family Medicine, the team provides chronic care for various conditions, including thyroid disease, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. To schedule an appointment at the Orem, Utah, office or the Crossroads location in Saratoga Springs, Utah, book online or call today.
Chronic Care Q&A
What is a chronic disease?
Chronic diseases are medical conditions that last for one year or longer. Most chronic conditions are incurable, but regular monitoring and a commitment to a customized treatment regimen can prevent the condition from progressing or getting worse.
Chronic diseases affect people of all ages, races, and genders, but several lifestyle factors increase your risk, including tobacco use, poor nutrition, a lack of physical activity, and excessive alcohol consumption.
What conditions does chronic care treat?
At Lakeview Family Medicine, the team provides chronic care for various conditions, including:
High blood pressure (hypertension)
High blood pressure occurs when the force of the blood pumping through your arteries remains elevated for an extended period. This causes your heart and blood vessels to work overtime and damages the artery walls. When left untreated, high blood pressure significantly increases your risk of a heart attack or stroke.
High cholesterol (hyperlipidemia)
High cholesterol occurs when lipids –– wax-like substances that help build healthy cells –– collect in your bloodstream. Lipids often gather together and form fatty deposits, which negatively affect your circulation. If these deposits grow and break off, they can form a blood clot, causing a stroke or heart attack.
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is a chronic condition that causes your thyroid gland to produce too much of the hormone thyroxine. Over time, this accelerates your body’s metabolism, triggering unintentional weight loss, a rapid heart rate, and irritability.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism occurs when your thyroid gland produces too few essential hormones. This makes it difficult for your body to regulate temperature, heartbeat, and other metabolic functions. Common symptoms of hypothyroidism include constipation, unexplained weight gain, and dry skin.
Diabetes
Diabetes refers to a group of diseases that cause your blood sugar levels to spike. If your blood sugar levels remain too high for a lengthy period, you’re at risk of nerve damage (neuropathy), heart disease, and slow-healing wounds or ulcers.
What does chronic care involve?
No two chronic care treatment plans are exactly alike. The team at Lakeview Family Medicine tailors treatment based on your age, gender, medical history, and needs.
Typically, the team recommends conservative measures of care like eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, managing your stress levels, and participating in routine checkups. When combined with prescription medication, it’s possible to keep most chronic illnesses in check.
If your chronic illness gets worse, surgical intervention may be necessary. In this event, the team can refer you to a surgeon or other medical specialist in the area.
To learn more about the benefits of chronic care, request a consultation at Lakeview Family Medicine. Book an appointment using the online scheduling tool or call the nearest office today.
