Chronic diseases are common, affecting six in every 10 adults in the United States. If you have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or another chronic health condition, disease management is crucial to prevent serious complications. At San Fernando Medical Center, Robert Partovy, DO, and his experienced team manage chronic diseases to keep you healthy and reduce symptoms. At the first sign of a chronic disease, schedule an appointment by calling the office in San Fernando, California, or request one online today.

request an appointment

What is chronic disease management?

Chronic disease management involves medical care that can prevent complications associated with uncontrolled chronic health problems. Examples of chronic diseases the San Fernando Medical Center team can help you manage include:

  • High blood pressure
  • High cholesterol
  • Diabetes
  • Heart disease
  • Arthritis
  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
  • Allergies and asthma
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Thyroid disorders
  • Alzheimer’s disease

You might experience more than one disease at once. Without proper chronic disease management, complications such as a heart attack, stroke, organ damage, and nerve, bone, or joint problems may occur.

What are the risk factors for chronic diseases?

Your risk of developing a chronic disease is related to genetics or certain lifestyle habits. For example, smoking, being overweight, lack of exercise, and poor dietary habits put you at risk of certain diseases and their complications.

What should I expect during my appointment?

During your appointment, the San Fernando Medical Center team checks your weight, blood pressure, and other vital signs. They review your medical history and symptoms and complete a comprehensive physical exam.

They may also use blood tests, imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs, and an electrocardiogram (EKG) to diagnose a chronic disease or determine how well your current disease treatment plan works.

Which treatment will I require?

Based on the type and severity of your chronic disease, your provider might recommend one or more of the following:

Lifestyle changes

Lifestyle changes can help you better manage a chronic disease and prevent complications. Examples include weight loss, getting plenty of sleep, regular exercise, stress reduction, eating more vegetables and fiber, and limiting red meat, processed meats, saturated fat, sweets, sugary drinks, fried foods, and other processed foods.

Medications and supplements

Taking medicines or dietary supplements helps reduce blood pressure, cholesterol, and heart disease risks. Medications can also control blood sugar, inflammation, thyroid and other hormone imbalances, asthma, allergies, and COPD symptoms.

Medications your provider might recommend for you include pills, insulin for diabetes, other injections, nasal sprays, or an inhaler.

Minimally invasive procedures

If you have a heart or blood vessel disorder or complications related to arthritis or diabetes, the San Fernando Medical Center team might suggest a minimally invasive procedure to help prevent complications, such as a heart attack or stroke.

Don’t let a chronic disease progress to something serious when simple disease management options are available at San Fernando Medical Center. Call the office to schedule an appointment or book one online today.