Chronic Disease Management

Chronic Disease Management

asthma

Asthma

Please make it clear to reception staff that you are asthmatic when you phone.

Most of our practice nurses have specialist asthma qualifications. They see patients in order that asthma may be assessed, advice offered, queries answered and the correct treatment ensured.

Patients on asthma medication should be seen at least once a year for an asthma check up with the nurse, book at Reception, please bring your inhalers with you.

External Websites:

NHS Choices - Asthma's symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment and living with the condition

Asthma UK - an independent UK charity dedicated to conquering asthma.

a necklace hanging on a wall

COPD

We use a spirometer to measure lung function as an aid to diagnosis.  We like to see all our patients who have been diagnosed with COPD at least yearly, please bring all your inhalers when attending.

If you would like to discuss coming to the COPD clinic please phone Reception who will help you access the care you need.

External Websites:

You can find out more by following the links below:  

The British Lung Foundation

COPD information on NHS UK

 

heart

Coronary Heart Disease

Coronary heart disease happens when your heart's blood supply is blocked or interrupted by a build-up of fatty substances in the coronary arteries.

Over time this can build up and if your coronary arteries become narrow due to this build-up of fatty deposits, the blood supply to your heart will be restricted; this can cause angina (chest pains).

If a coronary artery becomes completely blocked, it can cause a heart attack.

By making some simple lifestyle changes, you can reduce your risk of getting CHD. If you already have heart disease, you can take steps to reduce your risk of developing further heart-related problems.

External Websites:

Coronary Heart Disease - NHS Choices

British Heart Foundation

Heart Research UK

Find Heart Disease Support Services- NHS Choices

Tips on healthy eating

Hertbeats is a cardiac support group for St Albans, Harpenden and surrounding areas for those who have suffered a heart event as well as partners, carers, people with hypertension or those who are interested in prevention.

diabetes

Diabetes

Diabetes is a long-term condition caused by too much glucose, a type of sugar, in the blood. It is also known as diabetes mellitus.

Our specialist diabetes team will provide you wilth support, regular reviews and the day-to-day care of your needs.

External Websites:

Diabetes UK 

Diabetes Research and Wellness Foundation

Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes is high blood sugar (glucose) that develops during pregnancy and usually disappears after giving birth. More information can be found here - https://www.lwtcsupport.co.uk/gdm-info-page 

Pre-Diabetes

For those at risk of diabetes, further information can be found here.

BP

Hypertension

Hypertension relates to High Blood Pressure.

High blood pressure often causes no symptoms, or immediate problems, but it is a major risk factor for developing a serious cardiovascular disease (conditions that affect the functioning of the heart and the circulation of blood around the body), such as a stroke or heart disease.

External Websites:

High Blood Pressure Explained - NHS Choices

Blood Pressure Association

British Heart Foundation

British Hypertension Society

Hertbeats