Chronic Diseases

What are chronic diseases?

A chronic disease is any type of medical condition that lasts for longer than one year and requires ongoing treatment. While many chronic diseases are manageable, routine care is often necessary to prevent worsening symptoms and health complications.

At Prosalud Family Medicine, the team works with you to identify lifestyle changes, dietary modifications, medications, and other treatments that can help you maintain your health.

What are the types of chronic diseases?

Many chronic diseases can diminish your health and quality of life, but the most common are:

Diabetes

Diabetes affects the way your body processes glucose (sugar). Your pancreas produces a hormone called insulin, which allows your cells to use glucose for energy. If you have diabetes, you don’t produce insulin or your body doesn’t use it efficiently. Glucose builds in the blood, damaging your blood vessels and raising your risk of stroke, kidney, and nerve damage.

Hypertension

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, occurs when your blood pushes against your blood vessel walls for too long. High blood pressure rarely causes symptoms, so it can damage your blood vessels for years without visible signs. Without treatment, hypertension can lead to stroke, heart attack, or kidney damage.

Heart disease

Also called cardiovascular disease, heart disease is an umbrella term for many conditions that affect the heart. Coronary artery disease (CAD), the most common type, is often the result of fatty plaque in the blood. Dietary changes, exercise, and other lifestyle modifications can help you manage your condition.

Arthritis

Arthritis is a chronic form of joint inflammation. While there are more than 100 types, osteoarthritis is the most common. Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage that protects the ends of your joints breaks down, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness. Carrying excess weight, inactivity, and poor diet can worsen the symptoms of this progressive form of arthritis.

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis causes porous, brittle bones that are vulnerable to fractures. The condition is common in older adults, especially women. Early intervention can help you protect your bones from damage as you age.

What are the treatments for chronic diseases?

How your doctor treats your chronic disease depends on the type you have. Standard treatments for the most common chronic diseases include:

• Following a healthy diet
• Exercising regularly
• Quitting smoking
• Taking supplements
• Trying vitamin injections
• Taking medications

To learn more about chronic diseases, call Prosalud Family Medicine or schedule an appointment online today.