HYPERTENSION
І health
Hypertension HYPERTENSION (HTN) afflicts 29-31 percent of adults in the U.S. and is increasing in incidence as our population ages beyond 65. Approximately 46-51 percent of patients with HTN have blood pressure (BP) under control, i.e. less than 140/90. BP includes two numbers—the top number called Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP) and bottom number Diastolic Blood Pressure (DBP). Simple definition of high BP is when SBP is greater than 140 or DBP is greater than 90. SBP is a greater predictor of risk for patients older than 50 than DBP, whereas the latter is a better predictor of mortality for age less than 50. Risk factors for developing primary HTN include: HTN in both parents; excess sodium intake; excess alcohol intake; obesity and weight gain; physical inactivity; dyslipidemia independent of obesity; certain personality traits such as hostile attitude, impatience and depression; and vitamin D deficiency. HTN can be caused by kidney disease; oral contraceptives; drugs such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and antidepressants; renovascular disease and obstructive sleep apnea. Complications of HTN include development of premature cardiovascular disease, heart failure, arrhythmia and sudden cardiac death, ischemic stroke, intracerbral hemorrhage, and chronic kidney disease. Treatment: Non-pharmacological lifestyle modifications include weight loss in obese patients; DASH diet; low sodium and low alcohol intake and increased activity. When lifestyle modifications fail to lower BP, then anti-hypertension medications should begin if SBP is over 140 in patients younger than 60 and over 150 mmHg in patients older than 60 and/or DBP over 90 mmHg. Please contact your primary care physician for any questions about your blood pressure.
3
Pam Egan, FNP
“MY PHILOSOPHY is to use the most natural solution to restore the body’s balance on both the inside and the 20 13 outside,” says Pamela Egan, NP, an Adult and Family Nurse Practitioner who focuses on holistic preventative medicine, hormone and nutritional restoration for men and women. “There is so much that can be done to prevent breast cancer, osteoporosis, heart attacks, stroke, sexual dysfunction and cognitive decline.” Pamela Egan graduated from ULL with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and has been a Certified Diabetes Educator for years. She received a Master of Nursing from LSUHSC in New Orleans and later completed the Adult and Family Nurse Practitioner programs from LSUHSC. Five years ago, she completed the Fellowship with the American Academy of Anti-Aging & Regenerative Medicine and recently completed the Master of Science in Metabolic & Nutritional Medicine from USF College of Medicine that is part of the Fellowship program. Pamela has practiced primary care with a focus on preventative medicine in the St. Tammany area for the past 16 years. She helps each patient develop an aggressive preventative plan to restore optimal balance of hormones and nutrients while removing toxins and incorporating a program of proper diet, exercise and stress management. In addition to the Wellness Program, CucciaEgan Clinic offers a full service Med-Spa, full service aesthetics and medical weight loss. The Cuccia-Egan Clinic and Med Spa is located at 1116 West 21st Avenue in Covington. For more information, you can call 985-892-3031 or visit pamelaegan.com.
Mandeville 2660 Florida Street Mandeville, LA 70448 985.674.5700 www.IsabellasPizzeria.net
Lunch Special Free Cup of our Award Winning Soup with the purchase of an entree. To be used while “dining in” Mandeville location only.
Sophisticated Woman | April 2014
2
Dr. David Tran is a board-certified Internist who provides treatment 01 1 2-20 and preventative care in outpatient and inpatient settings. His office is located at 121 Lakeview Circle, Suite A, Covington, 985-400-LIVE(5483).
the northshore’s best
15