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Chronic Conditions & Non-Communicable Diseases

What are Chronic Diseases?

According to the USA Centers for Disease for control and Prevention, Chronic diseases are “conditions that last 1 year or more and require ongoing medical attention or limit activities of daily living or both.”
Chronic diseases and conditions, such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and arthritis are the leading cause of death and disability in the United States. They are also among the most costly and preventable of all health problems.
🔗 CDC - Chronic Diseases: Click Here!

What are Non-Communicable Diseases?

According to the CDC, non-communicable diseases are "responsible for 7 out of 10 of deaths worldwide, with 85% of premature NCD deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries." Non-communicable disease awareness can impact the nations preparedness and overall health security globally. Some NCD include: cardiovascular disease, cancer, and chronic respiratory disease.
🔗CDC - Global Noncommunicable Diseases:Click Here! What are Non-Communicable Diseases?

Learn More About Chronic Diseases & Non-Communicable Diseases

Learning about chronic conditions and NCDs is important, so we have curated a list below for you to reference. For further information, you may also visit our “Resources” page to access trustworthy websites.

Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an advancing brain disorder that is increasingly becoming a significant public health concern in the United States. More than 5 million Americans are affected by Alzheimer's, including 350,000 residents of Texas. This condition leads to a gradual deterioration in memory, cognition, and behavior, significantly disrupting daily activities. Alzheimer's is a terminal condition that progressively impacts more areas of the brain, ultimately damaging regions responsible for essential life functions such as swallowing and breathing.

Resources & Links:
Asthma
Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that can make breathing difficult at times. It is a major public health issue in the United States and Texas, often leading to hospitalizations for both children and adults due to asthma and other lung problems. Although it is a lifelong condition, its symptoms can be managed and controlled.

Resources & Links:
Blindness & Visual Impairment
Around 14 million people aged 12 and older have visual impairments, with over 80% able to achieve good vision through corrective lenses. As of 2004, over 3.3 million Americans aged 40 and older experience blindness or low vision, a number expected to double by 2030 due to rising diabetes rates, other chronic conditions, and an aging population. About 6.8% of U.S. children under 18 have diagnosed eye and vision conditions. Major vision problems among adults 40 and older cost over $145 billion annually. Vision disability ranks among the top 10 disabilities for adults 18 and older and is a major concern for children. Early detection and treatment of conditions like diabetic retinopathy are both effective and cost-efficient. For more information on blindness and visual impairment, visit these websites.

Resources & Links:
Cancer
Cancer refers to diseases where abnormal cells grow uncontrollably and can invade other tissues. These cells may spread through the blood and lymphatic systems to other parts of the body. Cancer encompasses more than 100 different types, and its incidence can be reduced and many deaths prevented through effective strategies. Screening for cervical and colorectal cancers can detect precancerous changes early, allowing for treatment before the disease develops fully. Additionally, early detection through screening for cervical, colorectal, and breast cancers improves treatment outcomes. Vaccines like the HPV vaccine, which prevents most cervical cancers and others, and the hepatitis B vaccine, which reduces liver cancer risk, also play a role in lowering cancer risk. Adopting healthy habits such as avoiding tobacco, limiting alcohol, protecting your skin from sun exposure, eating a balanced diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and staying physically active can further reduce cancer risk.

Resources & Links:
Cardiovascular Disease
Each year in the United States, approximately 610,000 people die from heart disease, making it the leading cause of death for both men and women, with over 370,000 annual deaths from coronary heart disease alone. About 735,000 Americans experience a heart attack annually, including 525,000 first-time heart attacks and 210,000 recurrent ones.

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Deafness & Hearing Impairment
Around 14 million people aged 12 and older have visual impairments, with over 80% able to achieve good vision through corrective lenses. As of 2004, over 3.3 million Americans aged 40 and older experience blindness or low vision, a number expected to double by 2030 due to rising diabetes rates, other chronic conditions, and an aging population. About 6.8% of U.S. children under 18 have diagnosed eye and vision conditions. Major vision problems among adults 40 and older cost over $145 billion annually. Vision disability ranks among the top 10 disabilities for adults 18 and older and is a major concern for children. Early detection and treatment of conditions like diabetic retinopathy are both effective and cost-efficient. For more information on blindness and visual impairment, visit these websites.

Resources & Links:
Dental Health Issues
Oral health impacts our ability to speak, smile, eat, and express emotions, as well as influences self-esteem, school performance, and work attendance. Oral diseases, including cavities, gum disease, and oral cancer, cause pain and disability for millions and cost billions annually. Cavities are extremely common, with over 80% of people having experienced at least one by age 34, and over 40% of adults having had mouth pain in the past year. The U.S. spends over $113 billion yearly on dental care, with more than $6 billion lost in productivity due to dental visits. Oral health is also linked to chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease, as well as risk behaviors such as tobacco use and high sugar consumption. Public health measures like water fluoridation and school dental sealant programs are effective in saving money and preventing cavities.

Resources & Links:
Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder marked by recurrent seizures and encompasses various types of both epilepsy and seizures. In the U.S., it affects around 2.3 million adults and 467,711 children. Approximately 1 in 26 people will be diagnosed with epilepsy in their lifetime, with about 150,000 new cases annually. The condition incurs an estimated annual cost of $15.5 billion in medical expenses and lost productivity.

Resources & Links:
Heart Disease and Stroke
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the U.S., responsible for about 1 in 4 deaths. In 2009, more than half of the heart disease-related deaths were in men. Coronary heart disease, the most common type, killed around 365,000 people in 2014. Every 42 seconds, someone in the U.S. has a heart attack, and each minute, someone dies from a heart disease-related event. It is the top cause of death for most racial and ethnic groups, with annual costs totaling about $207 billion in healthcare, medications, and lost productivity.

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Hypertension / High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure, a prevalent and risky condition, means blood pressure in the vessels is too high. It affects about 75 million U.S. adults, with only half managing it effectively. This "silent killer" often shows no symptoms, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke, but regular monitoring and lifestyle changes can help control or prevent it.

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Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) refers to chronic conditions causing immune system-related inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. The two main types are ulcerative colitis, affecting only the large intestine, and Crohn’s disease, which impacts the entire digestive tract. In IBD, the immune system mistakenly attacks intestinal cells, leading to ongoing inflammation and worsening symptoms that can significantly affect quality of life.

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Kidney Disease (CKD)
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) occurs when the kidneys are damaged and unable to effectively filter waste from the blood, leading to potential health issues. Early stages of CKD often have no symptoms, so diagnosis requires blood and urine tests. Treatment with medication and lifestyle changes, such as improved diet and hydration, can slow CKD progression and help prevent further complications.

Resources & Links:
Obesity
Over one-third (36.5%) of U.S. adults are affected by obesity. Obesity is linked to serious health conditions such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers, which are major causes of preventable death. In 2008, the annual medical cost of obesity in the U.S. was estimated at $147 billion, with obese individuals incurring $1,429 more in medical expenses compared to those of normal weight.

Resources & Links:
Reproductive Health
Reproductive health is a vital aspect of overall well-being, encompassing physical, mental, and social dimensions related to the reproductive system. It involves a range of topics, including sexual health, fertility, family planning, and the prevention and treatment of reproductive health issues. The resources below aim to provide comprehensive information and resources to empower individuals to make informed choices about their reproductive health and enhance their quality of life. Understanding reproductive health is essential for promoting healthy relationships, ensuring safe practices, and fostering a supportive environment for all.

Resources & Links:
Respiratory Diseases
Chronic respiratory diseases affect the airways and lung structures. Common types include asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), occupational lung diseases, and pulmonary hypertension. In 2011, chronic lower respiratory diseases, mainly COPD, were the third leading cause of death in the U.S., with about 15 million Americans diagnosed. COPD encompasses conditions like emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and sometimes asthma, all causing airflow obstruction and breathing difficulties.

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Respiratory Diseases
Respiratory diseases affect the lungs and airways, making breathing difficult and impacting overall health. They can be chronic, such as asthma, COPD, and lung cancer, or acute, like pneumonia and bronchitis. Causes range from environmental factors and genetic predisposition to lifestyle choices like smoking. Chronic respiratory diseases, including COPD, are among the leading causes of death in the U.S., with about 15 million Americans diagnosed with COPD, a condition that includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Understanding these diseases and their treatments is key to managing and preventing them.

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Rheumatic Conditions
In the United States, 23% of adults, or around 53 million people, have arthritis, making it a leading cause of disability. Arthritis encompasses over 100 different diseases affecting the joints, with osteoarthritis being the most common, impacting more than 30 million U.S. adults. Other types include gout, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis. Symptoms typically include joint pain, stiffness, and swelling, while some forms can also affect multiple organs. Arthritis frequently coexists with other chronic conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity, which can worsen quality of life and complicate disease management.

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Sleep Deprivation & Chronic Disease
Over a quarter of the U.S. population struggles with sleep deprivation, with nearly 10% experiencing chronic insomnia. Lack of sleep contributes to accidents and is linked to serious health conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, and depression. Research shows that insufficient sleep can increase the risk of Type 2 diabetes and impact blood sugar control, while sleep apnea is associated with hypertension, stroke, and heart disease. Additionally, short sleep duration is linked to obesity, particularly in children, and sleep disturbances are both a symptom and a contributor to depression. Treating sleep issues can improve overall health outcomes.

Resources & Links:
  • 🔗Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC)
    Sleep Deprivation: Apnea
    Sleep apnea is a potentially severe sleep disorder characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep, often marked by loud snoring and persistent tiredness despite a full night’s rest. The main types include obstructive sleep apnea, where throat muscles relax excessively; central sleep apnea, which occurs when the brain fails to send proper signals to the breathing muscles; and complex sleep apnea syndrome, a combination of both obstructive and central sleep apnea.

    Resources & Links:
    Sleep Deprivation: Insomnia
    Insomnia is a prevalent sleep disorder where individuals struggle with falling asleep, staying asleep, or both, resulting in insufficient or poor-quality sleep and a lack of refreshing rest. It can be acute, often triggered by stress, family issues, or trauma, and lasts for days or weeks. Chronic insomnia persists for a month or more and is usually secondary to other issues such as medical conditions, medications, or substances. In contrast, primary insomnia is a standalone disorder with no clear cause, often triggered by significant stress or emotional turmoil. Insomnia can lead to daytime drowsiness, decreased energy, and difficulties with concentration, memory, and mood, potentially affecting work or school performance and increasing the risk of accidents, such as drowsy driving.

    Resources & Links:
    Sleep Deprivation: Narcolepsy
    Narcolepsy is a chronic sleep disorder marked by excessive daytime drowsiness and sudden sleep attacks. Individuals with narcolepsy struggle to stay awake for extended periods, regardless of the situation. This condition can significantly disrupt daily activities. It may also include cataplexy, a sudden loss of muscle tone triggered by strong emotions like laughter, leading to weakness and loss of muscle control. While there is no cure for narcolepsy, symptoms can be managed with medications and lifestyle adjustments. Support from family, friends, employers, and teachers can also aid in coping with the disorder.

    Resources & Links:
    Sleep Deprivation: Restless Legs Syndrome
    Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a condition characterized by a strong urge to move the legs, often accompanied by uncomfortable sensations. These sensations—described as creeping, crawling, pulling, itching, tingling, burning, aching, or electric shocks—can also affect the arms. The urge and discomfort typically occur during periods of rest and are often more intense in the evening and at night. RLS can interfere with falling and staying asleep, leading to daytime fatigue and difficulties with learning, work, and daily activities. Insufficient sleep from RLS may also contribute to depression, mood swings, and other health issues.

    Resources & Links:

Last Updated: 07/10/2025

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