These symptoms require IMMEDIATE emergency care — do not wait, do not call telehealth:

• Chest pain or pressure, jaw or arm pain
• Sudden shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Severe allergic reaction — throat swelling, hives, anaphylaxis
• Facial drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty (stroke)
• Sudden severe headache unlike any before
• High fever with stiff neck, confusion, or rash
• Loss of consciousness or unresponsiveness

Hypertension affects 47% of US adults. Most have NO symptoms — yet it silently damages the heart, kidneys, and brain.

• Normal BP: Below 120/80 mmHg
• Target for treated patients: Below 130/80
• DASH diet: Limit sodium to <2,300 mg/day
• Exercise: 150 min/week moderate activity
• 1st-line medications: ACE inhibitors, ARBs, CCBs, thiazides
• Hypertensive crisis: BP ≥180/120 → seek care NOW
• Monitor at home: Same arm, same time daily

Type 2 diabetes is largely manageable with lifestyle changes and medication. Consistent monitoring is the key.

• A1C goal: Below 7% for most patients
• Fasting glucose target: 80–130 mg/dL
• Post-meal glucose: Below 180 mg/dL (2hrs)
• Low blood sugar (<70): 15g fast carbs immediately
• 1st-line medication: Metformin; then GLP-1, SGLT-2
• Foot care: Daily inspection prevents amputations
• Annual screening: Eyes, kidneys, feet, cholesterol

CKD affects 37 million Americans. Early identification and strict risk factor control can dramatically slow progression.

• eGFR Stages: 1 (≥90, normal) through 5 (kidney failure)
• Key labs: Creatinine, eGFR, BUN, urine albumin/creatinine
• BP control: Target <130/80 — critical to slow CKD
• Avoid: NSAIDs (ibuprofen), contrast dye without precaution
• Diet in later stages: Limit potassium, phosphorus, sodium
• Medications: ACE/ARBs + SGLT-2 inhibitors are kidney-protective
• #1 cause: Diabetes — control blood sugar aggressively

Respiratory infections are the #1 reason for urgent care visits. Most are viral and self-limited — but some require treatment.

• Viral vs Bacterial: Most colds/flu are viral — no antibiotics
• Strep throat: Fever + white patches + no cough → test for strep
• COVID: Test early; antivirals (Paxlovid) best in first 5 days
• See provider if: Fever >103°F or lasting >3 days
• Red flags: O2 sat <92%, confusion, coughing blood → ER
• Prevention: Annual flu vaccine; COVID booster; hand hygiene

Heart disease is Florida's #1 killer. Managing cholesterol alongside blood pressure is the most powerful prevention tool.

• LDL target: <100 mg/dL; <70 if high-risk or diabetic
• HDL (good): Men >40; Women >50 mg/dL
• Triglycerides: Below 150 mg/dL
• Best treatment: Statins are the most effective LDL reducers
• Lifestyle: Mediterranean diet, omega-3s, 150 min/week exercise
• Aspirin: Only if prescribed — NOT for primary prevention