Chronic Conditions
Chronic conditions are long-term medical conditions that can be managed but not cured. The eight most common chronic conditions are:
Heart Disease: Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, and includes coronary artery disease, arrhythmias, heart failure, and stroke.
Cancer: Cancer is a disease caused by uncontrolled cell growth. It can occur anywhere in the body and can be deadly if not treated.
Diabetes: Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects the body's ability to produce or use insulin. It can lead to serious health complications, including heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease.
Arthritis: Arthritis is a group of diseases that cause joint pain, stiffness, and inflammation. There are over 100 types of arthritis, but the most common are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Asthma: Asthma is a chronic lung condition characterized by episodes of wheezing, coughing, and difficulty breathing.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): COPD is a group of chronic lung diseases that cause difficulty breathing. The most common forms of COPD are emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
Hypertension: Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a chronic condition that occurs when the pressure of the blood against the walls of the arteries is too high.
Depression: Depression is a mental health disorder that causes persistent feelings of sadness, emptiness, and hopelessness.