Cardio vascular disease - These diseases include coronary heart disease, stroke and peripheral artery disease. The risk factors that can cause cardiovascular disease include poor dietary habits, smoking, hypertension (high blood pressure), high cholesterol, physical inactivity, obesity and diabetes. The reduction of multiple risk factors through therapeutic lifestyle changes (TLCs) and adjunctive drug therapies can have an additive benefit in the primary prevention of cardiovascular diseases.

Type 2 diabetes is by far the most common type of diabetes (accounts for roughly 90% of all cases worldwide). It’s characterised by high glucose readings (hyperglycemia), variable degrees of insulin resistance and deficiency. The majority of patients are asymptomatic, and hyperglycemia is noted on routine laboratory evaluation - prompting further testing. Classic symptoms increased thirst, increased urination, blurred vision and weight loss.

Some of the symptoms of HIV include fever, swollen glands, sore throat, joint pain and headaches. Many patients are asymptomatic. Effective treatment results in sustained suppression of HIV RNA and improved immunity.

The global prevalence of hypertension is high and many patients are undiagnosed. Diagnosis of hypertension requires the integration of multiple blood pressure readings and the use of appropriate investigations such as ECG (electrocardiogram – this is a graphical representation of the electrical activity of the heart). This test enables the medical team to decipher the information necessary for the care of a patient with a potential hypertensive or cardiac condition. Treatment: Lifestyle modifications are required for all patients - certain patients however would benefit from medical therapy.

Older adults are susceptible to infectious diseases. This is partly due to age-related changes, as well as changes in their immune systems resulting in impaired defence against fungal and viral pathogens. Older adults generally have chronic illnesses such as diabetes, lung or heart disease - which can impair their immunity. Treatment would be individual-based, and where necessary, special investigations would be ordered to confirm the diagnosis.

This is defined as the presence of kidney damaged, usually detected with protein in the urine (urinary albumin), or decreased kidney function (usually eGFR of below 60ml/min/1.73m2) for three or more months. The management includes treatment of reversible causes of kidney disease and preventing or slowing down progression to end-stage renal failure. Some symptoms of end-stage renal failure include poor appetite, nausea, vomiting, itchy skin and in
some cases breathing difficulties.

Obesity is a chronic disease that is increasing in prevalence in adults and adolescents, so much so that it is  considered a global epidemic. Screening for obesity can identify high-risk patients who may subsequently receive counselling about health risks, lifestyle changes, obesity treatment options and risk factor reduction. BMI based classifications (body mass index):
Underweight < 18.5 kg/m2 | Normal weight > = 18.5 -24.9 kg/m2
Overweight > = 25 -29.9 | Obesity > 30 kg/m2

Pulmonology function test is indicated for evaluation of respiratory symptoms (cough, wheezing, shortness of breath and chest pain). In addition, it can be used to assess the severity and progression of lung diseases - such as asthma and chronic obstructive lung disease. Our practice uses lung spirometry to identify airway obstruction and offer appropriate therapeutics.