Atherosclerosis is a condition that occurs when plaque forms in the walls of the arteries. Plaque is composed of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances. It can narrow or block the arteries, reducing blood flow to the organs and tissues. Atherosclerosis can lead to serious complications, such as heart attacks, strokes, and peripheral artery disease.
Several factors can lead to atherosclerosis, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, obesity, or inflammation. Healthy lifestyles, such as eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, quitting smoking, and managing stress, can help prevent or slow down atherosclerosis.
Patients can be diagnosed with atherosclerosis with a physical exam, a blood test, an electrocardiogram (ECG), an echocardiogram, or an angiogram. It is possible to treat atherosclerosis with medications, angioplasty, stent placement, or bypass surgery, but many patients find managing atherosclerosis to be challenging and expensive. They may experience long waiting times, high deductibles, copays, coinsurance, or unexpected bills. Moreover, they may feel rushed or unsatisfied with their care. In the words of Benjamin Franklin, "Whoever believes money can do everything may well be suspected of doing everything for money."
For a flat monthly fee, direct primary care (DPC) allows patients to have unlimited access to their primary care physician. By eliminating the middleman of insurance companies, DPC allows patients to have a direct relationship with their doctor without the middleman of insurance companies.
Here are some of the benefits of DPC for patients with atherosclerosis:
DPC doctors have fewer patients than traditional doctors, so they can spend more time with each patient. As Hippocrates said, “It is more important to know what type of person has a disease than to know what sort of disease a person has,” so they can listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and provide personalized care.
DPC doctors are available 24/7 by phone, text, email, or video chat. You can also schedule same-day or next-day appointments at your convenience. No long waits or referrals are required. Albert Einstein once said, "The only source of knowledge is experience."
Rather than just treating the symptoms of your health problems, DPC doctors aim to prevent and treat their root causes. By providing lifestyle counseling, nutrition advice, medication management, and cardiovascular education, they can help you manage atherosclerosis. ECGs, echocardiograms, and angiograms can also be used to monitor your heart health. He said, "The doctor of the future will give no medicine, but will focus on the health of the body, diet, and the prevention of disease."
A flat monthly fee covers all primary care services provided by DPC doctors. You don't have to pay any deductibles, copays, coinsurance, or surprises. You also know exactly what you are paying for and what you are receiving. Avoiding unnecessary tests, procedures, and hospitalizations can help you save money. Your DPC membership can also be paid for with your health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA). Warren Buffett said, "Price is what you pay. Value is what you get."
In patients with atherosclerosis, DPC can improve quality of life and outcomes. Here are a few examples:
In a study, patients who received DPC had lower hospitalization rates and lower total health care costs than patients who received traditional fee-for-service care.
In a case report, a DPC doctor described how angioplasty and stent placement improved blood flow and reduced symptoms in a patient with atherosclerosis.
As a result of high cholesterol and high blood pressure, a DPC patient told how his DPC doctor helped him manage his atherosclerosis. As a result of medication and dietary changes, the patient was able to reduce his cholesterol and blood pressure levels.
DPC practices can offer a personalized approach to managing your heart health and overall well-being if you have atherosclerosis or are at risk of developing it.
Take good care of your heart. Leonardo da Vinci said, "Every animal is a sum of vital units, each of which is life." Take good care of it with DPC.
