chronic condition

{{Excessive examples|section|date=September 2021}}

Chronic conditions have often been used to describe the various health related states of the human body such as syndromes, physical impairments, disabilities as well as diseases. Epidemiologists have found interest in chronic conditions due to the fact they contribute to disease, disability, and diminished physical and/or mental capacity.{{Cite web|url=http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=10778|title=Condition|website=MedicineNet|access-date=2016-04-13}}

For example, high blood pressure or hypertension is considered to be not only a chronic condition itself but also correlated with diseases such as heart attack or stroke.

Researchers, particularly those studying the United States, utilize the Chronic Condition Indicator (CCI) which maps ICD codes as "chronic" or "non-chronic".

The list below includes these chronic conditions and diseases:

In 2015 the World Health Organization produced a report on non-communicable diseases, citing the four major types as:{{citation |url=https://www.who.int/topics/chronic_diseases/en/ |title=Noncommunicable diseases |publisher=World Health Organization |access-date=April 5, 2016}}

• Cancers
• Cardiovascular diseases, including cerebrovascular disease, heart failure, and ischemic cardiopathy
• Chronic respiratory diseases, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Diabetes mellitus (type 1, type 2, pre-diabetes)

Other examples of chronic diseases and health conditions include:

• Alzheimer's disease
• Atrial fibrillation
• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
• Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Autoimmune diseases, such as ulcerative colitis, lupus erythematosus, Crohn's disease, coeliac disease, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, and relapsing polychondritis
• Blindness
• Cerebral palsy (all types)
• Chronic graft-versus-host disease
• Chronic hepatitis
• Chronic pancreatitis
• Chronic kidney disease
• Chronic osteoarticular diseases, such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
• Chronic pain syndromes, such as post-vasectomy pain syndrome and complex regional pain syndrome
• Dermatological conditions such as atopic dermatitis and psoriasis
• Down Syndrome
• Dwarfism
• Deafness and hearing impairment
• Ehlers–Danlos syndrome (various types)
• Endometriosis
• Epilepsy
• Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder
• Fibromyalgia
• HIV/AIDS
• Hereditary spherocytosis
• Huntington's disease
• Hypertension
• Mental illness
• Migraines
• Multiple sclerosis
• Myalgic encephalomyelitis ({{aka}} chronic fatigue syndrome)
• Narcolepsy
• Obesity
• Osteogenesis Imperfecta
• Osteoporosis
• Parkinson's disease
• Periodontal disease
• Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
• Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome
• Prader-Willi Syndrome
• Sickle cell anemia and other hemoglobin disorders
• Substance Abuse Disorders
• Sleep apnea
• Thyroid disease
• Tuberculosis
• Williams Syndrome
• And many more.

{{Globalize|section|date=April 2015}}

While risk factors vary with age and gender, many of the common chronic diseases in the US are caused by dietary, lifestyle and metabolic risk factors.{{cite journal | vauthors = Danaei G, Ding EL, Mozaffarian D, Taylor B, Rehm J, Murray CJ, Ezzati M | title = The preventable causes of death in the United States: comparative risk assessment of dietary, lifestyle, and metabolic risk factors | journal = PLOS Medicine | volume = 6 | issue = 4 | pages = e1000058 | date = April 2009 | pmid = 19399161 | pmc = 2667673 | doi = 10.1371/journal.pmed.1000058 | doi-access = free }} Therefore, these conditions might be prevented by behavioral changes, such as quitting smoking, adopting a healthy diet, and increasing physical activity. Social determinants are important risk factors for chronic diseases.{{cite journal | vauthors = Braveman PA, Cubbin C, Egerter S, Williams DR, Pamuk E | title = Socioeconomic disparities in health in the United States: what the patterns tell us | journal = American Journal of Public Health | volume = 100 | pages = S186–96 | date = April 2010 | issue = Suppl 1 | pmid = 20147693 | pmc = 2837459 | doi = 10.2105/AJPH.2009.166082 }} Social factors, e.g., socioeconomic status, education level, and race/ethnicity, are a major cause for the disparities observed in the care of chronic disease. Lack of access and delay in receiving care result in worse outcomes for patients from minorities and underserved populations.{{cite book | vauthors = Mead H, Cartwright-Smith L, Jones K, Ramos C, Woods K, Siegel B | title = Racial and ethnic disparities in US health care: A chartbook | location = New York, NY | publisher = The Commonwealth Fund | date = March 2008 }} Those barriers to medical care complicate patients monitoring and continuity in treatment.{{citation needed|date=June 2022}}

In the US, minorities and low-income populations are less likely to seek, access and receive preventive services necessary to detect conditions at an early stage.

The majority of US health care and economic costs associated with medical conditions are incurred by chronic diseases and conditions and associated health risk behaviors. Eighty-four percent of all health care spending in 2006 was for the 50% of the population who have one or more common chronic medical conditions (CDC, 2014).

There are several psychosocial risk and resistance factors among children with chronic illness and their family members. Adults with chronic illness were significantly more likely to report life dissatisfaction than those without chronic illness.{{cite journal | vauthors = Strine TW, Chapman DP, Balluz LS, Moriarty DG, Mokdad AH | title = The associations between life satisfaction and health-related quality of life, chronic illness, and health behaviors among U.S. community-dwelling adults | journal = Journal of Community Health | volume = 33 | issue = 1 | pages = 40–50 | date = February 2008 | pmid = 18080207 | doi = 10.1007/s10900-007-9066-4 | s2cid = 25099848 }} Compared to their healthy peers, children with chronic illness have about a twofold increase in psychiatric disorders.{{cite journal | vauthors = Cadman D, Boyle M, Offord DR | title = The Ontario Child Health Study: social adjustment and mental health of siblings of children with chronic health problems | journal = Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics | volume = 9 | issue = 3 | pages = 117–21 | date = June 1988 | pmid = 3403727 | doi = 10.1097/00004703-198806000-00001 | s2cid = 26986024 }} Higher parental depression and other family stressors predicted more problems among patients.{{cite journal | vauthors = Daniels D, Moos RH, Billings AG, Miller JJ | title = Psychosocial risk and resistance factors among children with chronic illness, healthy siblings, and healthy controls | journal = Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology | volume = 15 | issue = 2 | pages = 295–308 | date = June 1987 | pmid = 3497186 | doi = 10.1007/BF00916356 | s2cid = 32785209 }} In addition, sibling problems along with the burden of illness on the family as a whole led to more psychological strain on the patients and their families.

Africa

African countries are currently grappling with a double health burden—while infectious diseases continue to be a major cause of death, chronic illnesses are increasingly becoming more deadly, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. This region reports some of the highest chronic disease mortality rates globally, impacting both men and women alike. {{cite journal

| title =Cardiovascular disease, diabetes and established risk factors among populations of sub-Saharan African descent in Europe: a literature review

| date =2009

| journal =Globalization and Health

| doi =10.1186/1744-8603-5-7

| doi-access =free

| volume =5

| page =7

| pmid =19671137

| pmc =2734536

| vauthors = Agyemang C, Addo J, Bhopal R, De Graft Aikins A, Stronks K }}

The surge in chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease is being driven by poor lifestyle choices like unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, smoking, and obesity. These modifiable behaviors are becoming widespread across both rural and urban areas. In addition to lifestyle factors, genetics also plays a role in the region’s chronic disease profile, particularly for conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes. {{cite journal

| title =Chronic diseases of lifestyle risk factor profiles of a South African rural community - PMC

| date =2021

| url =https://publichealthinafrica.org/index.php/jphia/article/view/331

| pmc =8239450

| journal =Journal of Public Health in Africa

| volume =12

| issue =1

| page =1006

| doi =10.4081/jphia.2021.1006

| pmid =34249292

| vauthors = Akindele MO, Useh U }}

Compounding the problem is the state of healthcare systems, which often lack the infrastructure, funding, and public awareness needed to respond effectively to this growing crisis.

Asia

Asia's chronic disease burden is rising sharply, driven by a mix of aging populations, genetic predispositions, and fast-paced urbanization. The transition to more sedentary lifestyles and Westernized diets brought on by industrialization and economic growth—has contributed significantly to the growing number of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). South Asians, in particular, are at greater risk, developing these conditions earlier in life and often at lower body weights compared to global norms, resulting in higher healthcare costs and lower productivity. {{cite journal

| title =Physical activity participation and the risk of chronic diseases among South Asian adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis | date =2019 | publisher =Globalization and Health | doi =10.1038/s41598-019-46154-3 | journal =Scientific Reports | volume =9 | issue =1 | page =9771 | pmid =31278314 | pmc =6611898 | bibcode =2019NatSR...9.9771P | vauthors = Paudel S, Owen AJ, Owusu-Addo E, Smith BJ }}

Tobacco use remains a critical risk factor across South Asia, with a strong link to chronic illnesses. For instance, the Maldives has reported some of the highest rates of NCD-related deaths among women. Poor diets and smoking rank among the top contributors to early death and disability, made worse by limited access to healthcare and low levels of health awareness in many communities.

Latin America and the Caribbean

In Latin America and the Caribbean, changing lifestyles and environmental conditions are key contributors to the rise in chronic diseases. Many young people, including students, are engaging in habits such as poor nutrition, high consumption of processed foods and sugary drinks, and low levels of physical activity all of which increase their vulnerability to conditions like diabetes and heart disease.{{cite journal

|url=https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-019-46154-3

| title =A comparative systematic review of risk factors, prevalence, and challenges contributing to non-communicable diseases in South Asia, Africa, and Caribbeans | journal =Of Health, Population and Nutrition | date =5 July 2019 | volume =9 | issue =1 | page =9771 |publisher=Journal of Health, Population and Nutrition volume

| doi =10.1038/s41598-019-46154-3 | pmid =31278314 | bibcode =2019NatSR...9.9771P | vauthors = Paudel S, Owen AJ, Owusu-Addo E, Smith BJ | hdl =10536/DRO/DU:30163430 | hdl-access =free }}

The region’s rapid urban growth and influence from global food and media trends have also shifted daily routines toward more sedentary and unhealthy patterns. Combined with existing social and economic challenges, these changes are putting additional pressure on public health systems, underscoring the urgent need for prevention strategies and stronger public policies.

Some people suffered from chronic symptoms that developed soon after Covid-19 injections, and this long term condition is known as post-vaccination syndrome (PVS). In February 2025, research from Yale University School of Medicine showed that more frequent Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) reactivation and elevated levels of circulating spike protein were observed in PVS participants, including those who were not infected, compared to healthy controls.{{cite web

| url=https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.02.18.25322379v1.full.pdf

| title = Immunological and Antigenic Signatures Associated with Chronic Illnesses after COVID-19 Vaccination

| date = 2025

| publisher=medRxiv

| doi = 10.1101/2025.02.18.25322379

| vauthors = Bhattacharjee B, Lu P, Monteiro VS, Tabachnikova A, Wang K, Hooper WB, Bastos V, Greene K, Sawano M, Guirgis C, Tzeng TJ, Warner F, Baevova P, Kamath K, Reifert J, Hertz D, Dressen B, Tabacof L, Wood J, Cooke L, Doerstling M, Nolasco S, Ahmed A, Proal A, Putrino D, Guan L, Krumholz HM, Iwasaki A }}

A growing body of evidence supports that prevention is effective in reducing the effect of chronic conditions; in particular, early detection results in less severe outcomes. Clinical preventive services include screening for the existence of the disease or predisposition to its development, counseling and immunizations against infectious agents. Despite their effectiveness, the utilization of preventive services is typically lower than for regular medical services. In contrast to their apparent cost in time and money, the benefits of preventive services are not directly perceived by patient because their effects are on the long term or might be greater for society as a whole than at the individual level.{{cite book | vauthors = Kenkel DS, Culyer A, Newhouse J | chapter = Prevention | title = Handbook of health economics. | veditors = Culyer AJ, Newhouse JP | date = 2000 |publisher=Elsevier | location = Amsterdam; New York |isbn=978-0-444-82290-1 |edition=1st }}

Therefore, public health programs are important in educating the public, and promoting healthy lifestyles and awareness about chronic diseases. While those programs can benefit from funding at different levels (state, federal, private) their implementation is mostly in charge of local agencies and community-based organizations.{{cite journal | vauthors = Halverson PK, Miller CA, Kaluzny AD, Fried BJ, Schenck SE, Richards TB | title = Performing public health functions: the perceived contribution of public health and other community agencies | journal = Journal of Health and Human Services Administration | volume = 18 | issue = 3 | pages = 288–303 | date = 1996 | pmid = 10158617 }}

Studies have shown that public health programs are effective in reducing mortality rates associated to cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer, but the results are somewhat heterogeneous depending on the type of condition and the type of programs involved.{{cite journal | vauthors = Mays GP, Smith SA | title = Evidence links increases in public health spending to declines in preventable deaths | journal = Health Affairs | volume = 30 | issue = 8 | pages = 1585–93 | date = August 2011 | pmid = 21778174 | pmc = 4019932 | doi = 10.1377/hlthaff.2011.0196 }} For example, results from different approaches in cancer prevention and screening depended highly on the type of cancer.{{cite journal | vauthors = Cutler DM | title = Are we finally winning the war on cancer? | journal = The Journal of Economic Perspectives | volume = 22 | issue = 4 | pages = 3–26 | date = 2008 | pmid = 19768842 | doi = 10.1257/jep.22.4.3| doi-access = free }}

The rising number of patient with chronic diseases has renewed the interest in prevention and its potential role in helping control costs. In 2008, the Trust for America's Health produced a report that estimated investing $10 per person annually in community-based programs of proven effectiveness and promoting healthy lifestyle (increase in physical activity, healthier diet and preventing tobacco use) could save more than $16 billion annually within a period of just five years.{{cite web |url=http://healthyamericans.org/reports/prevention08/ |title=Prevention for a Healthier America |publisher=Trust for America's Health |date=July 2008|access-date=April 5, 2016 }}

A 2017 review (updated in 2022) found that it is uncertain whether school-based policies on targeting risk factors on chronic diseases such as healthy eating policies, physical activity policies, and tobacco policies can improve student health behaviours or knowledge of staffs and students.{{cite journal | vauthors = Wolfenden L, McCrabb S, Barnes C, O'Brien KM, Ng KW, Nathan NK, Sutherland R, Hodder RK, Tzelepis F, Nolan E, Williams CM, Yoong SL | title = Strategies for enhancing the implementation of school-based policies or practices targeting diet, physical activity, obesity, tobacco or alcohol use | journal = The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews | volume = 8 | issue = 8 | pages = CD011677 | date = August 2022 | pmid = 36036664 | pmc = 9422950 | doi = 10.1002/14651858.CD011677.pub3 }}{{Update inline|reason=Updated version https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/39665378|date = March 2025}} The updated review in 2022 did determine a slight improvement in measures of obesity and physical activity as the use of improved strategies lead to increased implementation interventions but continued to call for additional research to address questions related to alcohol use and risk. Encouraging those with chronic conditions to continue with their outpatient (ambulatory) medical care and attend scheduled medical appointments may help improve outcomes and reduce medical costs due to missed appointments.{{cite journal | vauthors = Whear R, Thompson-Coon J, Rogers M, Abbott RA, Anderson L, Ukoumunne O, Matthews J, Goodwin VA, Briscoe S, Perry M, Stein K | title = Patient-initiated appointment systems for adults with chronic conditions in secondary care | journal = The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews | volume = 2020 | issue = 4 | pages = CD010763 | date = April 2020 | pmid = 32271946 | pmc = 7144896 | doi = 10.1002/14651858.CD010763.pub2 }} Finding patient-centered alternatives to doctors or consultants scheduling medical appointments has been suggested as a means of improving the number of people with chronic conditions that miss medical appointments, however there is no strong evidence that these approaches make a difference.

Nursing can play an important role in assisting patients with chronic diseases achieve longevity and experience wellness.{{cite journal | vauthors = Salmond SW, Echevarria M | title = Healthcare Transformation and Changing Roles for Nursing | journal = Orthopedic Nursing | volume = 36 | issue = 1 | pages = 12–25 | date = 2017 | pmid = 28107295 | pmc = 5266427 | doi = 10.1097/NOR.0000000000000308 }} Scholars point out that the current neoliberal era emphasizes self-care, in both affluent and low-income communities.{{cite journal | vauthors = Wilkinson A, Whitehead L | title = Evolution of the concept of self-care and implications for nurses: a literature review | journal = International Journal of Nursing Studies | volume = 46 | issue = 8 | pages = 1143–7 | date = August 2009 | pmid = 19200992 | doi = 10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2008.12.011 }} This self-care focus extends to the nursing of patients with chronic diseases, replacing a more holistic role for nursing with an emphasis on patients managing their own health conditions. Critics note that this is challenging if not impossible for patients with chronic disease in low-income communities where health care systems, and economic and social structures do not fully support this practice.

A study in Ethiopia showcases a nursing-heavy approach to the management of chronic disease. Foregrounding the problem of distance from healthcare facility, the study recommends patients increase their request for care. It uses nurses and health officers to fill, in a cost-efficient way, the large unmet need for chronic disease treatment. They led their health centers staffed by nurses and health officers; so, there are specific training required for involvement in the programmed must be carried out regularly, to ensure that new staff is educated in administering chronic disease care.{{cite journal | vauthors = Mamo Y, Seid E, Adams S, Gardiner A, Parry E | title = A primary healthcare approach to the management of chronic disease in Ethiopia: an example for other countries | journal = Clinical Medicine | volume = 7 | issue = 3 | pages = 228–31 | date = June 2007 | pmid = 17633941 | pmc = 4952696 | doi = 10.7861/clinmedicine.7-3-228 }} The program shows that community-based care and education, primarily driven by nurses and health officers, works. It highlights the importance of nurses following up with individuals in the community, and allowing nurses flexibility in meeting their patients' needs and educating them for self-care in their homes.{{citation needed|date=June 2022}}

The epidemiology of chronic disease is diverse and the epidemiology of some chronic diseases can change in response to new treatments. In the treatment of HIV, the success of anti-retroviral therapies means that many patients will experience this infection as a chronic disease that for many will span several decades of their chronic life.{{cite journal | vauthors = Deeks SG, Lewin SR, Havlir DV | title = The end of AIDS: HIV infection as a chronic disease | journal = Lancet | volume = 382 | issue = 9903 | pages = 1525–33 | date = November 2013 | pmid = 24152939 | pmc = 4058441 | doi = 10.1016/S0140-6736(13)61809-7 }}

Some epidemiology of chronic disease can apply to multiple diagnosis. Obesity and body fat distribution for example contribute and are risk factors for many chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart, and kidney disease.{{cite journal | vauthors = Baumgartner RN, Heymsfield SB, Roche AF | title = Human body composition and the epidemiology of chronic disease | journal = Obesity Research | volume = 3 | issue = 1 | pages = 73–95 | date = January 1995 | pmid = 7712363 | doi = 10.1002/j.1550-8528.1995.tb00124.x }} Other epidemiological factors, such as social, socioeconomic, and environment do not have a straightforward cause and effect relationship with chronic disease diagnosis. While typically higher socioeconomic status is correlated with lower occurrence of chronic disease, it is not known is there is a direct cause and effect relationship between these two variables.{{cite journal | vauthors = Lowry R, Kann L, Collins JL, Kolbe LJ | title = The effect of socioeconomic status on chronic disease risk behaviors among US adolescents | journal = JAMA | volume = 276 | issue = 10 | pages = 792–7 | date = September 1996 | pmid = 8769588 | doi = 10.1001/jama.276.10.792 }}

The epidemiology of communicable chronic diseases such as AIDS is also different from that of noncommunicable chronic disease. While Social factors do play a role in AIDS prevalence, only exposure is truly needed to contract this chronic disease. Communicable chronic diseases are also typically only treatable with medication intervention, rather than lifestyle change as some non-communicable chronic diseases can be treated.{{cite journal| vauthors = Solomons N, Kruger HS, Puoane TR |date=2017-10-10|title=Adherence challenges encountered in an intervention programme to combat chronic non-communicable diseases in an urban black community, Cape Town|journal=Health SA Gesondheid|volume=22|doi=10.4102/hsag.v22i0.970|issn=2071-9736|url=http://repository.uwc.ac.za/xmlui/bitstream/10566/2613/1/Solomons_Adherence%20challenges_2017.pdf|doi-access=free}}

As of 2003, there are a few programs which aim to gain more knowledge on the epidemiology of chronic disease using data collection. The hope of these programs is to gather epidemiological data on various chronic diseases across the United States and demonstrate how this knowledge can be valuable in addressing chronic disease.{{cite journal | vauthors = Remington PL, Simoes E, Brownson RC, Siegel PZ | title = The role of epidemiology in chronic disease prevention and health promotion programs | journal = Journal of Public Health Management and Practice | volume = 9 | issue = 4 | pages = 258–65 | date = July 2003 | pmid = 12836507 | doi = 10.1097/00124784-200307000-00003 }}

In the United States, as of 2004 nearly one in two Americans (133 million) has at least one chronic medical condition, with most subjects (58%) between the ages of 18 and 64.{{cite web | work = Robert Wood Johnson Foundation & Partnership for Solutions | url = http://www.rwjf.org/qualityequality/product.jsp?id=14685 | title = Chronic Conditions: Making the Case for Ongoing Care. | publisher = Johns Hopkins University | location = Baltimore, MD | date = September 2004 | access-date = 2009-12-07 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120423222310/http://www.rwjf.org/qualityequality/product.jsp?id=14685 | archive-date = 2012-04-23 | url-status = dead }} The number is projected to increase by more than one percent per year by 2030, resulting in an estimated chronically ill population of 171 million. The most common chronic conditions are high blood pressure, arthritis, respiratory diseases like emphysema, and high cholesterol.{{citation needed|date=June 2022}}

Based on data from 2014 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS), about 60% of adult Americans were estimated to have one chronic illness, with about 40% having more than one; this rate appears to be mostly unchanged from 2008.{{cite journal|url=https://www.rand.org/pubs/tools/TL221.html|title=Multiple Chronic Conditions in the United States | vauthors = Buttorff C, Ruder T, Bauman M |date=May 26, 2017 |website=RAND |language=en|access-date=2019-06-13 }} MEPS data from 1998 showed 45% of adult Americans had at least one chronic illness, and 21% had more than one.{{cite journal | vauthors = Anderson G, Horvath J | title = The growing burden of chronic disease in America | journal = Public Health Reports | volume = 119 | issue = 3 | pages = 263–270 | date = 2004 | pmid = 15158105 | pmc = 1497638 | doi = 10.1016/j.phr.2004.04.005 |doi-access=free }}

According to research by the CDC, chronic disease is also especially a concern in the elderly population in America. Chronic diseases like stroke, heart disease, and cancer were among the leading causes of death among Americans aged 65 or older in 2002, accounting for 61% of all deaths among this subset of the population.{{cite web | publisher= U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Merck Company Foundation | url = https://www.cdc.gov/aging/pdf/saha_2007.pdf | title = The state of aging and health in America 2007 | date = 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240620210548/https://www.cdc.gov/aging/pdf/saha_2007.pdf |archive-date=Jun 20, 2024 }} It is estimated that at least 80% of older Americans are currently living with some form of a chronic condition, with 50% of this population having two or more chronic conditions. The two most common chronic conditions in the elderly are high blood pressure and arthritis, with diabetes, coronary heart disease, and cancer also being reported among the elder population.{{cite web | vauthors = Hobbs A | url = http://www.parentgiving.com/elder-care/common-chronic-conditions-and-aging-at-home/ | title = Common Chronic Conditions and Aging at Home | work = Parentgiving|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220924172105/http://www.parentgiving.com/elder-care/common-chronic-conditions-and-aging-at-home/ |archive-date= Sep 24, 2022 }}

In examining the statistics of chronic disease among the living elderly, it is also important to make note of the statistics pertaining to fatalities as a result of chronic disease. Heart disease is the leading cause of death from chronic disease for adults older than 65, followed by cancer, stroke, diabetes, chronic lower respiratory diseases, influenza and pneumonia, and, finally, Alzheimer's disease. Though the rates of chronic disease differ by race for those living with chronic illness, the statistics for leading causes of death among elderly are nearly identical across racial/ethnic groups.

Chronic illnesses cause about 70% of deaths in the US and in 2002 chronic conditions (heart disease, cancers, stroke, chronic respiratory diseases, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, mental illness and kidney diseases) were six of the top ten causes of mortality in the general US population.{{cite book | title = Health, United States, 2020–2021 Annual Perspective. | location = Hyattsville, Maryland | publisher = National Center for Health Statistics. | date = Jan 2023 | doi = 10.15620/cdc:122044 |doi-access=free | pmid = 36888733 |url=https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/122044 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231129082155/https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/122044/cdc_122044_DS1.pdf |archive-date= Nov 29, 2023 | author1 = National Center for Health Statistics (US) }}

The government of Canada put a high emphasis on chronic conditions in the country [https://www.canada.ca/en/services/health/publications/diseases-conditions/prevalence-chronic-disease-risk-factors-canadians-aged-65-years-older.html]. At least 45.1% of Canadians will experience one chronic condition in their lifetime. On December 11, 2024, Sun Life, a prominent health insurance provider in Canada, reported an increase in chronic diseases across all age groups. They emphasize that chronic conditions affect both young individuals and the elderly. Sun Life highlights that a growing number of young people are facing chronic issues such as diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, and elevated cholesterol levels. The report examined drug claims for chronic conditions from over three million Sun Life plan members [https://www.sunlife.com/en/newsroom/news-releases/announcement/a-chronic-issue---disease-rates-climbing-among-young-canadians/123924/].

It is important to note that diabetes is one of the fastest-growing chronic conditions in Canada, having increased by approximately 30% from 2019 to 2023. Claims for diabetes medications have surged more rapidly among Canadians under the age of 30 [https://www.sunlife.com/en/newsroom/news-releases/announcement/a-chronic-issue---disease-rates-climbing-among-young-canadians/123924/].

Chronic diseases are prevalent among older Canadians. A report indicates that 73% of individuals aged 65 and older have at least one of ten common chronic conditions. The ten most frequent chronic diseases in Canada include hypertension, affecting 65.7% of the elderly, periodontal disease at 52.0%, osteoarthritis at 38.0%, ischemic heart disease at 27.0%, diabetes at 26.8%, osteoporosis at 25.1%, cancer at 21.5%, COPD at 20.2%, asthma at 10.7%, and mood and anxiety disorders at 10.5%. Additionally, COVID-19 has impacted chronic conditions in seniors, and its effects are currently being studied [https://www.canada.ca/en/services/health/publications/diseases-conditions/prevalence-chronic-disease-risk-factors-canadians-aged-65-years-older.html].

{{Globalize|section|date=June 2015}}

Chronic diseases are a major factor in the continuous growth of medical care spending.{{cite journal | vauthors = Roehrig C, Miller G, Lake C, Bryant J | title = National health spending by medical condition, 1996-2005 | journal = Health Affairs | volume = 28 | issue = 2 | pages = w358–67 | date = 2009 | pmid = 19240056 | doi = 10.1377/hlthaff.28.2.w358 }} In 2002, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services stated that the health care for chronic diseases cost the most among all health problems in the U.S.{{Cite report | title = The Burden of Chronic Diseases and Their Risk Factors National and State Perspectives | date = February 2002

|url=https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/11317 | publisher = U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention | via = CDC stacks {{!}} Stephen B. Thacker CDC Library Collection |access-date=2019-06-30}} Healthy People 2010 reported that more than 75% of the $2 trillion spent annually in U.S. medical care are due to chronic conditions; spending are even higher in proportion for Medicare beneficiaries (aged 65 years and older).{{cite journal | vauthors = Sondik EJ, Huang DT, Klein RJ, Satcher D | title = Progress toward the healthy people 2010 goals and objectives | journal = Annual Review of Public Health | volume = 31 | pages = 271–81 4 p folliwng 281 | date = 2010 | pmid = 20070194 | doi = 10.1146/annurev.publhealth.012809.103613| doi-access=free }} Furthermore, in 2017 it was estimated that 90% of the $3.3 billion spent on healthcare in the United States was due to the treatment of chronic diseases and conditions.{{cite journal | vauthors = Kelly C, Clennin MN, Barela BA, Wagner A | title = Practice-Based Evidence Supporting Healthy Eating and Active Living Policy and Environmental Changes | journal = Journal of Public Health Management and Practice | volume = 27 | issue = 2 | pages = 166–172 | date = March 2021 | pmid = 31688744 | doi = 10.1097/PHH.0000000000001099 | s2cid = 207893468 }} Spending growth is driven in part by the greater prevalence of chronic illnesses and the longer life expectancy of the population. Also, improvement in treatments has significantly extended the lifespans of patients with chronic diseases but results in additional costs over long period of time. A striking success is the development of combined antiviral therapies that led to remarkable improvement in survival rates and quality of life of HIV-infected patients.{{cn|date=May 2023}}

In addition to direct costs in health care, chronic diseases are a significant burden to the economy, through limitations in daily activities, loss in productivity and loss of days of work. A particular concern is the rising rates of overweight and obesity in all segments of the U.S. population. Obesity itself is a medical condition and not a disease, but it constitutes a major risk factor for developing chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, stroke, cardiovascular disease and cancers. Obesity results in significant health care spending and indirect costs, as illustrated by a recent study from the Texas comptroller reporting that obesity alone cost Texas businesses an extra $9.5 billion in 2009, including more than $4 billion for health care, $5 billion for lost productivity and absenteeism, and $321 million for disability.{{cite report | vauthors = Combs S | title = Gaining Costs, Losing Time: The Obesity Crisis in Texas | work = Worksite Wellness Programs | location = Austin, TX | publisher = Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts | date = February 2011 | id = Publication# 96-1360 }}

The Public Health Agency of Canada states that chronic disease has a negative impact on the labor force participant of individuals. In particular, people with chronic diseases “are likely to have recurrent sick leave, long-term absences from work, and often face an early retirement from the labour force.”{{Cite web |last=Canada |first=Public Health Agency of |date=2018-04-12 |title=Economic Burden of Illness in Canada, 2010 |url=https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/science-research-data/economic-burden-illness-canada-2010.html |access-date=2025-03-17 |website=www.canada.ca}}

In 2000, the Public Health Agency of Canada stated that the total economic burden of arthritis totaled 6.4 billion Canadian dollars per year, representing 28.9% of all musculoskeletal disease expenditures. 65% of the total economic cost was incurred by those aged 35-64 years old. It is anticipated that people aged 55 and older will most significantly contribute to the prevalence of arthritis. This is projected to result in reduced labor force participant and a substantial increase in morbidity costs. The Public Health Agency of Canada recommends focusing on prevention strategies, minimizing costs by improving health and reducing disability, and providing support to people with arthritis to remain active in the workforce.{{Cite web |last=Canada |first=Public Health Agency of |date=2010-07-19 |title=Chapter 6: Life with arthritis in Canada: a personal and public health challenge – Economic burden of arthritis |url=https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/chronic-diseases/arthritis/life-arthritis-canada-a-personal-public-health-challenge/chapter-six-economic-burden-of-arthritis.html |access-date=2025-03-17 |website=www.canada.ca}}

As of 2004, the estimated economic burden of Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is 805.5 billion yen per year. Direct costs, which include inpatient care, outpatient care, and home oxygen therapy, account for 645.1 billion yen per year. Meanwhile, indirect costs are estimated to cost 160.4 billion yen per year in lost productivity due to absenteeism from work. The high smoking rate and increasing size of the elderly population are likely to exacerbate the economic impact of COPD in Japan.{{Cite journal |last1=Nishimura |first1=Shuzo |last2=Zaher |first2=Carol |date=2004 |title=Cost impact of COPD in Japan: Opportunities and challenges? |url=https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1440-1843.2004.00617.x |journal=Respirology |language=en |volume=9 |issue=4 |pages=466–473 |doi=10.1111/j.1440-1843.2004.00617.x |pmid=15612957 |issn=1440-1843}}

Major indirect costs of COPD are a decrease in labor force participation, increased cost of healthcare due to assisted living expenses, increased prevalence of premature death, and care giver support cost. In 1999, a survey demonstrated that patients with chronic bronchitis, COPD, or emphysema missed an average of 42.2 days of work per year due to their condition.

There have been recent links between social factors and prevalence as well as outcome of chronic conditions.

The connection between loneliness, overall health, and chronic conditions has recently been highlighted. Some studies have shown that loneliness has detrimental health effects similar to that of smoking and obesity.{{cite journal | vauthors = Tiwari SC | title = Loneliness: A disease? | journal = Indian Journal of Psychiatry | volume = 55 | issue = 4 | pages = 320–2 | date = October 2013 | pmid = 24459300 | pmc = 3890922 | doi = 10.4103/0019-5545.120536 | doi-access = free }} One study found that feelings of isolation are associated with higher self reporting of health as poor, and feelings of loneliness increased the likelihood of mental health disorders in individuals.{{cite journal | vauthors = Coyle CE, Dugan E | title = Social isolation, loneliness and health among older adults | journal = Journal of Aging and Health | volume = 24 | issue = 8 | pages = 1346–63 | date = December 2012 | pmid = 23006425 | doi = 10.1177/0898264312460275 | s2cid = 25329890 }}

The connection between chronic illness and loneliness is established, yet oftentimes ignored in treatment. One study for example found that a greater number of chronic illnesses per individual were associated with feelings of loneliness.{{cite journal | vauthors = Theeke LA | title = Predictors of loneliness in U.S. adults over age sixty-five | journal = Archives of Psychiatric Nursing | volume = 23 | issue = 5 | pages = 387–96 | date = October 2009 | pmid = 19766930 | doi = 10.1016/j.apnu.2008.11.002 }} Some of the possible reasons for this listed are an inability to maintain independence as well as the chronic illness being a source of stress for the individual. A study of loneliness in adults over age 65 found that low levels of loneliness as well as high levels of familial support were associated with better outcomes of multiple chronic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes.

There are some recent movements in the medical sphere to address these connections when treating patients with chronic illness. The biopsychosocial approach for example, developed in 2006 focuses on patients "patient's personality, family, culture, and health dynamics."{{cite book | vauthors = Sperry L | title = Psychological treatment of chronic illness: The biopsychosocial therapy approach. | work = American Psychological Association | date = 2006 | doi = 10.1037/11378-000 | isbn = 1-59147-354-3 |url=https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2006-01336-000 }} Physicians are leaning more towards a psychosocial approach to chronic illness to aid the increasing number of individuals diagnosed with these conditions. Despite this movement, there is still criticism that chronic conditions are not being treated appropriately, and there is not enough emphasis on the behavioral aspects of chronic conditions{{Cite book|title=Treatment of chronic medical conditions: cognitive-behavioral therapy strategies and integrative treatment protocols| vauthors = Sperry L |date=2009|publisher=American Psychological Association|isbn=978-1-4338-0389-5|oclc=213375853}} or psychological types of support for patients.{{cite journal | vauthors = Clark NM, Gong M | title = Management of chronic disease by practitioners and patients: are we teaching the wrong things? | journal = BMJ | volume = 320 | issue = 7234 | pages = 572–5 | date = February 2000 | pmid = 10688569 | pmc = 1117606 | doi = 10.1136/bmj.320.7234.572 }}

The mental health intersectionality on those with chronic conditions is a large aspect often overlooked by doctors. And chronic illness therapists are available for support to help with the mental toll of chronic illness a it is often underestimated in society. Adults with chronic illness that restrict their daily life present with more depression and lower self-esteem than healthy adults and adults with non-restricting chronic illness.{{cite journal | vauthors = Huurre TM, Aro HM | title = Long-term psychosocial effects of persistent chronic illness. A follow-up study of Finnish adolescents aged 16 to 32 years | journal = European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry | volume = 11 | issue = 2 | pages = 85–91 | date = April 2002 | pmid = 12033749 | doi = 10.1007/s007870200015 | s2cid = 22198568 }} The emotional influence of chronic illness also has an effect on the intellectual and educational development of the individual.{{cite journal | vauthors = Turner J, Kelly B | title = Emotional dimensions of chronic disease | journal = The Western Journal of Medicine | volume = 172 | issue = 2 | pages = 124–8 | date = February 2000 | pmid = 10693376 | pmc = 1070773 | doi = 10.1136/ewjm.172.2.124 }} For example, people living with type 1 diabetes endure a lifetime of monotonous and rigorous health care management usually involving daily blood glucose monitoring, insulin injections, and constant self-care. This type of constant attention that is required by type 1 diabetes and other chronic illness can result in psychological maladjustment. There have been several theories, namely one called diabetes resilience theory, that posit that protective processes buffer the impact of risk factors on the individual's development and functioning.{{cite journal | vauthors = Hilliard ME, Harris MA, Weissberg-Benchell J | title = Diabetes resilience: a model of risk and protection in type 1 diabetes | journal = Current Diabetes Reports | volume = 12 | issue = 6 | pages = 739–48 | date = December 2012 | pmid = 22956459 | doi = 10.1007/s11892-012-0314-3 | s2cid = 41753257 }}

People with chronic conditions pay more out-of-pocket; a study found that Americans spent $2,243 more on average.{{cite journal | vauthors = Lee DC, Shi L, Pierre G, Zhu J, Hu R | title = Chronic conditions and medical expenditures among non-institutionalized adults in the United States | journal = International Journal for Equity in Health | volume = 13 | issue = 1 | pages = 105 | date = November 2014 | pmid = 25424127 | pmc = 4260199 | doi = 10.1186/s12939-014-0105-3 | doi-access = free }} The financial burden can increase medication non-adherence.{{cite journal | vauthors = Sum G, Hone T, Atun R, Millett C, Suhrcke M, Mahal A, Koh GC, Lee JT | title = Multimorbidity and out-of-pocket expenditure on medicines: a systematic review | journal = BMJ Global Health | volume = 3 | issue = 1 | pages = e000505 | date = 2018-02-01 | pmid = 29564155 | doi = 10.1136/bmjgh-2017-000505 | pmc = 5859814 }}{{cite journal | vauthors =Larkin J, Foley L, Smith SM, Harrington P, Clyne B | title = The experience of financial burden for people with multimorbidity: A systematic review of qualitative research. | journal = Health Expectations | volume = 24 | issue = 2 | pages = 282–95 | date = December 2020 | pmid = 33264478 | doi = 10.1111/hex.13166 |issn=1369-6513 | pmc = 8077119 }}

In some countries, laws protect patients with chronic conditions from excessive financial responsibility; for example, as of 2008 France limited copayments for those with chronic conditions, and Germany limits cost sharing to 1% of income versus 2% for the general public.{{cite journal | vauthors = Schoen C, Osborn R, How SK, Doty MM, Peugh J | title = In chronic condition: experiences of patients with complex health care needs, in eight countries, 2008 | journal = Health Affairs | volume = 28 | issue = 1 | pages = w1-16 | date = 2009-01-01 | pmid = 19008253| doi = 10.1377/hlthaff.28.1.w1 | doi-access = }}

Within the medical-industrial complex, chronic illnesses can impact the relationship between pharmaceutical companies and people with chronic conditions. Life-saving drugs, or life-extending drugs, can be inflated for a profit.{{cite journal | vauthors = Grouse L | title = Cost-effective medicine vs. the medical-industrial complex | journal = Journal of Thoracic Disease | volume = 6 | issue = 9 | pages = E203–E206 | date = September 2014 | pmid = 25276402 | pmc = 4178073 | doi = 10.3978/j.issn.2072-1439.2014.09.01 }} There is little regulation on the cost of chronic illness drugs, which suggests that abusing the lack of a drug cap can create a large market for drug revenue.{{cite journal | vauthors = Lexchin J, Grootendorst P | title = Effects of prescription drug user fees on drug and health services use and on health status in vulnerable populations: a systematic review of the evidence | journal = International Journal of Health Services | volume = 34 | issue = 1 | pages = 101–122 | date = 2004 | pmid = 15088676 | doi = 10.2190/4M3E-L0YF-W1TD-EKG0 }} Likewise, certain chronic conditions can last throughout one's lifetime and create pathways for pharmaceutical companies to take advantage of this.{{cite book | vauthors = Wohl S |title=The Medical Industrial Complex |date=1984 |publisher=Harmony Books |location=New York |isbn=978-0-517-55351-0 |edition=1st | pages = 85–98 }}

Gender influences how chronic disease is viewed and treated in society. Women's chronic health issues are often considered to be most worthy of treatment or most severe when the chronic condition interferes with a woman's fertility. Historically, there is less of a focus on a woman's chronic conditions when it interferes with other aspects of her life or well-being. Many women report feeling less than or even "half of a woman" due to the pressures that society puts on the importance of fertility and health when it comes to typically feminine ideals. These kinds of social barriers interfere with women's ability to perform various other activities in life and fully work toward their aspirations.{{cite book | vauthors = Manderson L, Smith-Morris C | title = Chronic conditions, fluid states: Chronicity and the anthropology of illness. | publisher = Rutgers University Press | year = 2010 | oclc = 852507893 }}

Race is also implicated in chronic illness, although there may be many other factors involved. Racial minorities are 1.5-2 times more likely to have most chronic diseases than white individuals. Non-Hispanic blacks are 40% more likely to have high blood pressure that non-Hispanic whites, diagnosed diabetes is 77% higher among non-Hispanic blacks, and American Indians and Alaska Natives are 60% more likely to be obese than non-Hispanic whites.{{cite web |title=Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH) |date=8 May 2024 |url=https://www.cdc.gov/reach/php/about/index.html | publisher = U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention }} Some of this prevalence has been suggested to be in part from environmental racism. Flint, Michigan, for example, had high levels of lead poisoning in their drinkable water after waste was dumped into low-value housing areas.{{cite journal | vauthors = Pulido L | title = Flint, environmental racism, and racial capitalism | journal = Capitalism Nature Socialism | date = July 2016 | volume = 27 | issue = 3 | pages = 1–6 | doi = 10.1080/10455752.2016.1213013 }} There are also higher rates of asthma in children who live in lower income areas due to an abundance of pollutants being released on a much larger scale in these areas.{{cite journal | vauthors = Brown P, Mayer B, Zavestoski S, Luebke T, Mandelbaum J, McCormick S | title = The health politics of asthma: environmental justice and collective illness experience in the United States | journal = Social Science & Medicine | volume = 57 | issue = 3 | pages = 453–64 | date = August 2003 | pmid = 12791488 | doi = 10.1016/S0277-9536(02)00375-1 }}{{cite journal | vauthors = Pastor Jr M, Sadd JL, Morello-Frosch R | title = Who's minding the kids? Pollucion, public schools, and environmental justice in Los Angeles. | journal = Social Science Quarterly | date = March 2002 | volume = 83 | issue = 1 | pages = 263–80 | doi = 10.1111/1540-6237.00082 }}

In Europe, the European Chronic Disease Alliance was formed in 2011, which represents over 100,000 healthcare workers.{{cite journal | vauthors = Capewell S, Andersen K | title = The ESC goes global: policies to prevent all chronic diseases | journal = European Heart Journal | volume = 32 | issue = 19 | pages = 2333–2340 | date = October 2011 | pmid = 22066144 | doi = 10.1093/eurheartj/ehr271 | doi-access = free }}

In the United States, there are a number of nonprofits focused on chronic conditions, including entities focused on specific diseases such as the American Diabetes Association, Alzheimer's Association, or Crohn's and Colitis Foundation. There are also broader groups focused on advocacy or research into chronic illness in general, such as the National Association of Chronic Disease Directors, Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease, the Chronic Disease Coalition which arose in Oregon in 2015,{{Cite web|url=http://finance.yahoo.com/news/chronic-disease-sufferers-health-care-233441257.html|title=Chronic Disease Sufferers and Health-Care Advocates Form Chronic Disease Coalition to Protect Patients' Rights|website=finance.yahoo.com|date=19 November 2015 |language=en-US|access-date=2019-06-13 | agency = Marketwired }} and the Chronic Policy Care Alliance.{{Cite web | vauthors = Helms L |url=https://www.statnews.com/2019/05/17/appeal-denied-medical-claim/|title=Has your insurer denied a medical claim? Stand up for your rights|date=2019-05-17|website=STAT|language=en-US|access-date=2019-06-13}}

• Chronic care management
• Chronic disease in China
• Chronic disease in Northern Ontario
• Chronic Illness (journal)
• Chronic pain
• Long COVID
• Course (medicine)
• Disability studies
• Disease management (health)
• Dynamic treatment regimes
• Medical tattoo
• Multimorbidity
• Natural history of disease
• Virtual Wards (a UK term)

{{Reflist|30em}}

{{refbegin|30em}}

• {{cite book | vauthors = Berkowitz A |title=Tender Points |date=2015 |publisher=Timeless Infinite Light |location=Oakland, California |isbn=978-1-937421-15-1 }}
• {{Cite book | vauthors = Caron D |url=https://www.upress.umn.edu/book-division/books/the-nearness-of-others|title=The Nearness of Others: Searching for Tact and Contact in the Age of HIV | publisher = University of Minnesota Press | oclc = 943203014 }}
• {{cite book | vauthors = Charmaz K |title=Good days, bad days: the self in chronic illness and time |date=1991 |publisher=Rutgers University Press |location=New Brunswick, N.J |isbn=978-0-8135-1711-7 |url=https://archive.org/details/gooddaysbaddayss00char }}
• {{cite book | vauthors = Charon R | author-link1 = Rita Charon |title=Narrative medicine: honoring the stories of illness |date=2008 |location=Oxford, New York |publisher=Oxford University Press |isbn=978-0-19-534022-8 |edition=First issued as an Oxford University Press paperback |url=https://global.oup.com/academic/product/narrative-medicine-9780195340228?cc=us&lang=en&}}
• {{cite book | vauthors = Conway K |title=Beyond Words: Illness and the Limits of Expression |date=2013 |publisher=University of New Mexico Press |location=Albuquerque |isbn=978-0-8263-5324-5 |url=https://unmpress.com/books/beyond-words/9780826353245 }}
• {{cite book | vauthors = Conway K |title=Ordinary life: a memoir of illness |date=1997 |publisher=W. H. Freeman Press |location=New York |isbn=978-0-7167-3036-1}}
• {{cite book | vauthors = Ellis C | author-link1 = Carolyn Ellis|title=Final Negotiations: A Story of Love, Loss, and Chronic Illness |date=2018 |publisher=Temple University Press |location=Philadelphia |isbn=978-1-4399-1715-2 |edition=Revised and expanded |url=http://tupress.temple.edu/book/20000000009518}}
• {{cite book | vauthors = Frank AW |title=The Wounded Storyteller: Body, Illness, and Ethics |date=2013 |publisher=The University of Chicago Press |location=Chicago |isbn=978-0-226-00497-6 |edition=Second |url= https://press.uchicago.edu/ucp/books/book/chicago/W/bo14674212.html }}
• {{Cite book | vauthors = Heshusius L, Fishman SM |url=https://archive.org/details/insidechronicpai0000hesh|title=Inside Chronic Pain: An Intimate and Critical Account|date=2009-08-20|publisher=Cornell University Press|isbn=978-0-8014-4796-9|series=The Culture and Politics of Health Care Work|location=Ithaca, NY|url-access=registration}}
• {{Cite book | vauthors = Kroll-Smith S, Floyd HH |title=Bodies in Protest: Environmental Illness and the Struggle Over Medical Knowledge |year=1997|publisher=NYU Press | isbn = 978-0-8147-4752-0 |jstor=j.ctt9qg6hq }}
• {{cite book | vauthors = Sontag S | author-link1 = Susan Sontag | title = Illness as Metaphor | publisher = Susan Sontag Foundation }}
• {{cite book | vauthors = Sontag S | author-link1 = Susan Sontag | title = Regarding the Pain of Others | publisher = Susan Sontag Foundation }}

{{refend}}

{{Wiktionary|chronic}}

• {{cite web | url = https://sites.google.com/site/humandiseaseslinkedtopathogens/ | title = List of Chronic Human Diseases Linked to Infectious Pathogens | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210118143620/https://sites.google.com/site/humandiseaseslinkedtopathogens/ | archive-date=2021-01-18 }}
• [http://cmcd.sph.umich.edu/ Center for Managing Chronic Disease, University of Michigan]
• [http://www.chrodis.eu/ CHRODIS: EU Joint Action on Chronic Diseases and Promoting Healthy Ageing Across the Life-Cycle]
• [http://www.medicc.org/mediccreview/index.php?issue=18 MEDICC Review theme issue on Confronting Chronic Diseases] With longer life expectancies in most countries and the globalization of "Western" diets and sedentarism, the main burden of disease and death from these conditions is falling on already-disadvantaged developing countries and poor communities everywhere.
• [http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/cd-mc/index-eng.php Public Health Agency of Canada: Chronic Disease]
• [https://www.who.int/chp/en/index.html World Health Organization: Chronic Disease and Health Promotion]

{{Medical terms to describe disease conditions}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Chronic (Medicine)}}

Category:Medical terminology

Category:Human diseases and disorders

Category:Disability by type