The most common reason adults in the United States visit an internist is high blood pressure. Between 2005 and 2008 the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey found that approximately 29-39 percent of American adults have high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. And of these people a remarkable amount of them do not receive the adequate care they need. This survey also tells us that only about 46-51 percent of people with high blood pressure have it under control, and thus put themselves at risk for heart attack and stroke.
Many adults do not realize they have hypertension or do not take their case very seriously because they feel little to no symptoms, as the disease is mostly asymptomatic. Because of this many adults snub doctors’ visits or their suggested therapy that may conflict with their previous, habitual way of life. This tendency to dismiss the condition is why hypertension is the most frequent cause of heart attack and stroke in men over 65. If you feel you have high blood pressure, visit a medical doctor NYC.
The more prepared you are before visiting the doctor the more productive the time is you spend at their office. Here are three ways to get ready:
1. Write Down Your Family and Personal History
You want to be very clear about your history and how your family blood line may impact you. Write down any history of high blood pressure in your family including heart disease, stroke, high cholesterol or diabetes. If recently you’ve experienced high levels or stress due to some life changes, note that as well. Stress can raise your blood pressure levels and may affect your prescriptions.
2. Write Down Your Recent Symptoms
The biggest waste of time and money is not being clear about your symptoms to your doctor because it forces him or her to ask leading questions and guess for you what you might be experiencing. Hypertension for the most part has no symptoms, but it helps to note anything odd you’ve been feeling lately that may be connected. Have you had recent chest pains? Shortness of breath? Write down anything unusual, and note the level of pain between 1 and 10, ten being unbearable pain and one being totally bearable.
3. List all of your medications
1. Write Down Your Family and Personal History
You want to be very clear about your history and how your family blood line may impact you. Write down any history of high blood pressure in your family including heart disease, stroke, high cholesterol or diabetes. If recently you’ve experienced high levels or stress due to some life changes, note that as well. Stress can raise your blood pressure levels and may affect your prescriptions.
2. Write Down Your Recent Symptoms
The biggest waste of time and money is not being clear about your symptoms to your doctor because it forces him or her to ask leading questions and guess for you what you might be experiencing. Hypertension for the most part has no symptoms, but it helps to note anything odd you’ve been feeling lately that may be connected. Have you had recent chest pains? Shortness of breath? Write down anything unusual, and note the level of pain between 1 and 10, ten being unbearable pain and one being totally bearable.
3. List all of your medications
Your doctor needs to know about everything that could be affecting the way your body works, including medicines you take. Certain drugs can cause blood pressure levels to rise and you may need a different prescription. But also note what vitamins and supplements you take; everything you ingest should be noted.
Other good ways to prepare is to avoid drinking caffeine the day of your appointment, wear a short sleeve shirt so your doctor can easily measure your pressure levels, and bring along a friend or someone you feel very comfortable with. You need to be honest when talking to your doctor, and may want a supportive friend with you to relax the environment. Be honest about your habits, your diet and how often you exercise. The best diagnoses come from honest patient testaments.
If you are looking for an internist in NYC, check out the medical clinic NYC located near 42nd on the west side of Manhattan. Its staff is very professional and its hours very accommodating, open late at night and even Saturdays. You’ll meet with a Board Certified Doctor with years of experience in helping adults who suffer from hypertension and heart related problems. Just log onto their website at MedicalClinicNY.com or call their office for appointment at 212-696-5900.
Don’t forget these three tips for getting prepared, they’ll only help you and your doctor help you.
212 696 5900
Internist NYC
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