As you become older, your body experiences a decline in its proper functioning, leaving you at risk of chronic conditions. Chronic disease management is one health service that Thomas Nguyen M.D., M.S. offers because of the understanding that a long-lasting illness can further hasten your body’s damage. Without constant medical attention, your disease will limit your daily activities. Successful management of your chronic condition can help safeguard you against potential complications and severe symptoms.
In the country, nearly 80% of senior citizens have chronic health issues, with those with at least two chronic conditions at about 69%. The statistics show that adult Americans are more affected by long-term illnesses. Consequently, below are the prevalent chronic conditions affecting older adults or seniors in America.
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Hypertension
Most commonly known as high blood pressure, the chronic condition affects more than 60% of the population of seniors in the country.
The signs and symptoms of hypertension are not specific to the condition, so doctors refer to it as the silent killer. Some potential symptoms include severe headaches, nosebleeds, chest pain, exhaustion, irregular heartbeat, and difficulty breathing. All these symptoms may be associated with other health issues.
When your blood pressure is high, your blood vessels suffer constant destruction, and you are more at risk of life-threatening health issues, including heart attack and stroke.
Minimize or prevent the possibility of getting hypertension by having a healthy weight, avoiding stress, and staying physically active.
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High levels of cholesterol
About 48% of older adults in the country are dealing with high levels of cholesterol in the body. High cholesterol means an excessive accumulation of fatty substances in your blood. That happens when you are overweight, eat fat-rich foods, and smoke and drink alcohol frequently.
High cholesterol in your blood leads to plaque growth in your blood vessels, which blocks them and discourages the free passing of nutrients in the blood from your heart to different parts of your body.
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Arthritis
Nearly 30% of seniors have arthritis, a joint inflammation. An inflamed joint often is stiff and makes you feel a level of discomfort. Therefore, you will experience a reduced range in your movement or motion.
You can manage the symptoms of prevalent arthritis, such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, by remaining physically active, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding joint injuries.
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Coronary artery disease (CAD)
The severe and long-lasting condition affects about 30% of seniors. The disease occurs due to the buildup of plaque inside coronary arteries that your heart relies on for transporting nutrient-rich blood to different parts of your body. Moreover, you may also have CAD because of a disease attacking the walls and inner linings of your tiny coronary arteries that branch from the larger coronary arteries.
Manage or prevent CAD by getting quality, sufficient sleep, limiting the intake of unsafe fats, and exercising frequently.
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Diabetes
The chronic condition affects almost 28% of older adults. You risk stroke, loss of eyesight, infections, and amputations when you have too much sugar or glucose in your blood.
Contact Nguyen Medical Group today for specialist diagnosis and management of your chronic disease.
