Managing the health effects of a chronic disease can feel overwhelming whether yours is a new diagnosis or one you’ve been living with. Eliza Codd, ARNP, FNP-BC, AG-ACNP-BC, CLS, is a double board-certified nurse practitioner at Woodlands Vein Center & Preventative Medicine Clinic in Shenandoah, Texas, also serving Woodlands, Conroe, Spring and North Houston, Texas, who specializes in chronic disease management. She develops personalized treatment strategies that help you live the healthiest life possible despite a diagnosis of heart disease, hyperlipidemia, and other chronic conditions. Schedule a visit today by calling the office or requesting an appointment online.

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What is chronic disease management?

The CDC defines a chronic disease as any condition lasting for a year or longer and requiring ongoing medical attention, which may include:

  • Routine follow up visits with a medical professional
  • Medication therapy designed to decrease symptoms or slow progression of the disease
  • Periodic lab studies to gauge the effectiveness of treatments
  • Guidance regarding healthy nutrition, exercise habits, and other lifestyle changes
  • Referrals for specialty care when necessary

At Woodlands Vein Center & Preventative Medicine Clinic your chronic disease management specialist supports your long-term health needs while developing treatment strategies that can prevent worsening illness.

What are the benefits of chronic disease management?

Heart disease, diabetes, elevated cholesterol, and other chronic conditions often respond well to treatment that restores normal function and prevents future illness. That is the foundation of chronic disease management.

Coronary artery disease, for instance, is typically caused by plaque buildup (atherosclerosis) that restricts blood flow to the heart. You may require angioplasty and stenting to restore normal blood flow and prevent a heart attack.

However, long-term successful disease management requires avoiding future plaque buildup with careful lipid control that often requires medication, increased physical activity, and an improved diet.

Chronic disease management at Woodlands Vein Center & Preventative Medicine Clinic may include symptom control and long-term care for:

  • Coronary artery disease
  • Diabetes
  • Chronic kidney disease
  • Heart failure
  • Atrial fibrillation and other cardiac arrhythmias
  • Thyroid disease

You can also rely on your provider to explain medication changes, discuss the value of diagnostic studies in detail, and otherwise help you manage the life changes related to chronic disease management.

What can I expect during a chronic disease management visit?

Your initial evaluation at Woodlands Vein Center & Preventative Medicine Clinic generally includes a physical exam, a careful review of your medical history and current medications, and a detailed discussion regarding any symptoms you’re experiencing.

You may also be due for routine labs such as a lipid profile, urinalysis, and other diagnostic tests. Depending on those results, your provider may recommend new medications or other therapies designed to improve chronic disease management as well as periodic follow-up visits to gauge the effectiveness of your treatment plan.

Treatment strategies are designed to provide long-term support and benefits that help motivate you to take charge of your health.

Schedule your evaluation today. Call the office or request an appointment online.