Secondary Hypertension: Discovering the Underlying Cause - American Family Physician
Oct 1, 2017 - Most patients with hypertension have no clear etiology and are classified as having primary hypertension. However, 5% to 10% of these patients may have secondary hypertension, which indicates an underlying and potentially reversible cause. The prevalence and potential etiologies of ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2017/1001/p453.html
Chronic Kidney Disease: Detection and Evaluation - American Family Physician
Dec 15, 2017 - Chronic kidney disease affects 47 million people in the United States and is associated with significant health care costs, morbidity, and mortality. Because this disease can silently progress to advanced stages, early detection is critical for initiating timely interventions. Multiple ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2017/1215/p776.html
Dizziness: Approach to Evaluation and Management - American Family Physician
Feb 1, 2017 - Dizziness is a common yet imprecise symptom. It was traditionally divided into four categories based on the patient’s history: vertigo, presyncope, disequilibrium, and light-headedness. However, the distinction between these symptoms is of limited clinical usefulness. Patients have ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2017/0201/p154.html
Syncope: Evaluation and Differential Diagnosis - American Family Physician
Mar 1, 2017 - Syncope is an abrupt and transient loss of consciousness caused by cerebral hypoperfusion. It accounts for 1% to 1.5% of emergency department visits, resulting in high hospital admission rates and significant medical costs. Syncope is classified as neurally mediated, cardiac, and ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2017/0301/p303.html
Dysuria: Evaluation and Differential Diagnosis in Adults - American Family Physician
Nov 1, 2015 - The most common cause of acute dysuria is infection, especially cystitis. Other infectious causes include urethritis, sexually transmitted infections, and vaginitis. Noninfectious inflammatory causes include a foreign body in the urinary tract and dermatologic conditions. ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2015/1101/p778.html
Unintentional Weight Loss in Older Adults - American Family Physician
May 1, 2014 - Unintentional weight loss in persons older than 65 years is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The most common etiologies are malignancy, nonmalignant gastrointestinal disease, and psychiatric conditions. Overall, nonmalignant diseases are more common causes of ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2014/0501/p718.html
Clinical Evaluation of Bleeding and Bruising in Primary Care - American Family Physician
Feb 15, 2016 - Bleeding and bruising are common symptoms in the primary care setting. The patient history can help determine whether the bruising or bleeding is abnormal. The International Society on Thrombosis and Hemostasis has developed a bleeding assessment tool that can be used to indicate ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2016/0215/p279.html
Proteinuria in Children - American Family Physician
Sep 15, 2010 - Proteinuria is common in children and may represent a benign condition or a serious underlying renal disease or systemic disorder. Proteinuria may occur secondary to glomerular or tubular dysfunction. Although a 24-hour urine protein excretion test is usually recommended, it may be ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2010/0915/p645.html
Dizziness: A Diagnostic Approach - American Family Physician
Aug 15, 2010 - Dizziness accounts for an estimated 5 percent of primary care clinic visits. The patient history can generally classify dizziness into one of four categories: vertigo, disequilibrium, presyncope, or lightheadedness. The main causes of vertigo are benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2010/0815/p361.html
Diagnosis of Acute Stroke - American Family Physician
Apr 15, 2015 - Stroke can be categorized as ischemic stroke, intracerebral hemorrhage, or subarachnoid hemorrhage. Awakening with or experiencing the abrupt onset of focal neurologic deficits is the hallmark of the diagnosis of ischemic stroke. The most common presenting symptoms of ischemic stroke ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2015/0415/p528.html
Diagnostic Approach to Patients with Tinnitus - American Family Physician
Jan 15, 2014 - Tinnitus, a common symptom encountered in family medicine, is defined as the perception of noise in the absence of an acoustic stimulus outside of the body. Because tinnitus is a symptom and not a disease, its underlying cause must be determined to best help patients. Although tinnitus ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2014/0115/p106.html
The Adult Well Male Examination - American Family Physician
May 15, 2012 - The adult well male examination should incorporate evidence-based guidance toward the promotion of optimal health and well-being, including screening tests shown to improve health outcomes. Nearly one-third of men report not having a primary care physician. The medical history should ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2012/0515/p964.html
Health Maintenance in Women - American Family Physician
Jan 1, 2013 - The health maintenance examination is an opportunity to focus on disease prevention and health promotion. The patient history should include screening for tobacco use, alcohol misuse, intimate partner violence, and depression. Premenopausal women should receive preconception counseling ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2013/0101/p30.html
Transient Ischemic Attack: Part I. Diagnosis and Evaluation - American Family Physician
Sep 15, 2012 - Transient ischemic attack is defined as transient neurologic symptoms without evidence of acute infarction. It is a common and important risk factor for future stroke, but is greatly underreported. Common symptoms are sudden and transient, and include unilateral paresis, speech ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2012/0915/p521.html
Assessment of Microscopic Hematuria in Adults - American Family Physician
May 15, 2006 - Microscopic hematuria, a common finding on routine urinalysis of adults, is clinically significant when three to five red blood cells per high-power field are visible. Etiologies of microscopic hematuria range from incidental causes to life-threatening urinary tract neoplasm. The lack ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2006/0515/p1748.html
Cushing's Disease: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Evaluation - American Family ...
Sep 1, 2000 - The most common endogenous cause of Cushing's syndrome is Cushing's disease. Frequent clinical findings include weight gain, truncal obesity, striae, hypertension, glucose intolerance and infections. Cranial nerve II may be affected by enlarging pituitary adenomas in Cushing's disease; ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2000/0901/p1119.html
Initial Evaluation of Vertigo - American Family Physician
Jan 15, 2006 - Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, acute vestibular neuronitis, and Meniere's disease cause most cases of vertigo; however, family physicians must consider other causes including cerebrovascular disease, migraine, psychological disease, perilymphatic fistulas, multiple sclerosis, and...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2006/0115/p244.html
Detection and Evaluation of Chronic Kidney Disease - American Family Physician
Nov 1, 2005 - Chronic kidney disease affects approximately 19 million adult Americans, and its incidence is increasing rapidly. Diabetes and hypertension are the underlying causes in most cases of chronic kidney disease. Evidence suggests that progression to kidney failure can be delayed or prevented...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2005/1101/p1723.html
Diagnosis and Management of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus - American Family Physician
Jul 1, 2009 - Gestational diabetes occurs in 5 to 9 percent of pregnancies in the United States and is growing in prevalence. It is a controversial entity, with conflicting guidelines and treatment protocols. Recent studies show that diagnosis and management of this disorder have beneficial effects ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2009/0701/p57.html
Health Maintenance for Postmenopausal Women - American Family Physician
Sep 1, 2008 - Menopause is the permanent cessation of menstruation resulting from the loss of ovarian and follicular activity. It usually occurs when women reach their early 50s. Vasomotor symptoms and vaginal dryness are frequently reported during menopause. Estrogen is the most effective treatment ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2008/0901/p583.html
Fetal Chromosomal Abnormalities: Antenatal Screening and Diagnosis - American Family ...
Jan 15, 2009 - Pregnant women of all ages should be offered screening and invasive diagnostic testing for chromosomal abnormalities before 20 weeks' gestation. New developments in screening methods have increased the number of options for patients. Diagnostic options include chorionic villus sampling ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2009/0115/p117.html
Diagnostic Approach to Tinnitus - American Family Physician
Jan 1, 2004 - Tinnitus is a common disorder with many possible causes. Most cases of tinnitus are subjective, but occasionally the tinnitus can be heard by an examiner. Otologic problems, especially hearing loss, are the most common causes of subjective tinnitus. Common causes of conductive hearing ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2004/0101/p120.html
The Visually Impaired Patient - American Family Physician
May 15, 2008 - Blindness or low vision affects more than 3 million Americans 40 years and older, and this number is projected to reach 5.5 million by 2020. In addition to treating a patient's vision loss and comorbid medical issues, physicians must be aware of the physical limitations and social ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2008/0515/p1431.html
Heart Murmurs in Pediatric Patients: When Do You Refer? - American Family Physician
Aug 1, 1999 - Many normal children have heart murmurs, but most children do not have heart disease. An appropriate history and a properly conducted physical examination can identify children at increased risk for significant heart disease. Pathologic causes of systolic murmurs include atrial and ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/1999/0801/p558.html
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Diagnostic Considerations - American Family ...
Feb 15, 2006 - Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is characterized by the gradual progression of irreversible airflow obstruction and increased inflammation in the airways and lung parenchyma that is generally distinguishable from the inflammation caused by asthma. Most chronic obstructive ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2006/0215/p669.html
Evaluation and Prevention of Diabetic Neuropathy - American Family Physician
Jun 1, 2005 - Diabetic neuropathy is a debilitating disorder that occurs in nearly 50 percent of patients with diabetes. It is a late finding in type 1 diabetes but can be an early finding in type 2 diabetes. The primary types of diabetic neuropathy are sensorimotor and autonomic. Patients may ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2005/0601/p2123.html
Evaluation of Chronic Dyspnea - American Family Physician
Apr 15, 2005 - Chronic dyspnea is defined as dyspnea lasting more than one month. In approximately two thirds of patients presenting with dyspnea, the underlying cause is cardiopulmonary disease. Establishing an accurate diagnosis is essential because treatment differs depending on the underlying ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2005/0415/p1529.html
Transient Ischemic Attacks: Part I. Diagnosis and Evaluation - American Family Physician
Apr 1, 2004 - Transient ischemic attack is no longer considered a benign event but, rather, a critical harbinger of impending stroke. Failure to quickly recognize and evaluate this warning sign could mean missing an opportunity to prevent permanent disability or death. The 90-day risk of stroke after...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2004/0401/p1665.html
Spirituality and Medical Practice: Using the HOPE Questions as a Practical Tool for ...
Jan 1, 2001 - The relationship between spirituality and medicine has been the focus of considerable interest in recent years. Studies suggest that many patients believe spirituality plays an important role in their lives, that there is a positive correlation between a patient's spirituality or ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2001/0101/p81.html
Early Diagnosis of Dementia - American Family Physician
Feb 15, 2001 - Until recently, the most significant issue facing a family physician regarding the diagnosis and treatment of dementia was ruling out delirium and potentially treatable etiologies. However, as more treatment options become available, it will become increasingly important to diagnose ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2001/0215/p703.html
Recognition of Alcohol and Substance Abuse - American Family Physician
Apr 1, 2003 - Ten percent of the population abuses drugs or alcohol, and 20 percent of patients seen by family physicians have substance-abuse problems, excluding tobacco use. These patients can be identified by relying on regular screening or a high index of suspicion based on
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2003/0401/p1529.html
Diagnostic Evaluation of Erectile Dysfunction - American Family Physician
Jan 1, 2000 - Erectile dysfunction, the persistent inability to attain or maintain penile erection sufficient for sexual intercourse, affects millions of men to various degrees. The majority of cases have an organic etiology, most commonly vascular disease that decreases blood flow into the penis. ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2000/0101/p95.html
Evaluation of Asymptomatic Microscopic Hematuria in Adults - American Family Physician
Sep 15, 1999 - In patients without significant urologic symptoms, microscopic hematuria is occasionally detected on routine urinalysis. At present, routine screening of all adults for microscopic hematuria with dipstick testing is not recommended because of the intermittent occurrence of this finding ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/1999/0915/p1143.html
Diagnosis and Classification of Diabetes Mellitus: New Criteria - American Family ...
Oct 15, 1998 - New recommendations for the classification and diagnosis of diabetes mellitus include the preferred use of the terms
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/1998/1015/p1355.html
Evaluation of Incidental Renal and Adrenal Masses - American Family Physician
Jan 15, 2001 - Incidental renal or adrenal masses are sometimes found during imaging for problems unrelated to the kidneys and adrenal glands. Knowledgeable family physicians can reliably diagnose these masses, thereby avoiding unnecessary worry and procedures for their patients. A practical and ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2001/0115/p288.html
Osteoporosis: Part I. Evaluation and Assessment - American Family Physician
Mar 1, 2001 - Osteoporosis afflicts 75 million persons in the United States, Europe and Japan and results in more than 1.3 million fractures annually in the United States. Because osteoporosis is usually asymptomatic until a fracture occurs, family physicians must identify the appropriate timing and ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2001/0301/p897.html
Detecting Celaic Disease in Your Patients - American Family Physician
Mar 1, 1998 - Celiac disease is a genetic, immunologically mediated small bowel enteropathy that causes malabsorption. The immune inflammatory response to gluten frequently causes damage to many other tissues of the body. The condition is frequently underdiagnosed because of its protean ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/1998/0301/p1023.html
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