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At Healthfully, we strive to deliver objective content that is accurate and up-to-date. Our team periodically reviews articles in order to ensure content quality. The sources cited below consist of evidence from peer-reviewed journals, prominent medical organizations, academic associations, and government data.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Cancer
- MayoClinic.com: Heart Disease
The information contained on this site is for informational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for the advice of a professional health care provider. Please check with the appropriate physician regarding health questions and concerns. Although we strive to deliver accurate and up-to-date information, no guarantee to that effect is made.
A List of Chronic Diseases
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 70 percent of all deaths in the United States are due to chronic diseases 12. Lack of physical activity, tobacco use, not consuming enough fruits and vegetables and drinking too much alcohol are common causes of chronic disease. According to the CDC, heart disease, cancer and stoke are the most common types of chronic diseases 3. With the exception of genetic risk factors, these chronic diseases can be prevented.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Heart Disease
MayoClinic.com reports that 40 percent of all U.S. deaths are due to heart disease, making it the leading cause of death in the U.S. Heart disease is an umbrella term to describe many types of diseases that can affect the heart and sometimes the blood vessels 3. Symptoms that include shortness of breath, pain, weakness or numbness in arms or legs, can be related to cardiovascular disease. Heart arrhythmias, which are irregular heartbeats, can show symptoms of a sensation of fluttering in the chest, a racing or slow heart beat, chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness or fainting. Valvular heart disease occurs when one more of the heart valves are not working 3.
Stroke
List of Non-Communicable Diseases
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The American Stroke Association identifies two types of strokes; ischemic and hemorrhagic. Ischemic stroke occurs when a clot blocks the blood flow to the brain. A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel ruptures and prevents blood flow to the brain. The symptoms of a stroke include:
- loss of balance
- slurred speech
- paralysis or numbness on one side of the body,
- blurred
- double or blackened vision
A severe headache can be present and may cause stiffness in the neck, pain between the eyes and/or vomiting.
- The American Stroke Association identifies two types of strokes; ischemic and hemorrhagic.
- A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel ruptures and prevents blood flow to the brain.
Cancer
According to the CDC, each year cancer is responsible for a half a million deaths in the U.S., which makes cancer the second leading cause of death in the United States. Cancer affects all races and ethnic backgrounds but is more prevalent in the African American population, according to the CDC. Like heart disease and stroke, sometimes cancer can be prevented 23. Poor nutrition, not getting enough exercise, drinking too much alcohol and using tobacco are risk factors for developing these chronic diseases. Screenings and annual checkups are also ways the CDC recommends to prevent cancer.
- According to the CDC, each year cancer is responsible for a half a million deaths in the U.S., which makes cancer the second leading cause of death in the United States.
Related Articles
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Cancer
- MayoClinic.com: Heart Disease
- American Heart Association. All about heart rate (pulse). Updated July 31, 2015.
- American Heart Association. About arrythmia. Updated September 30, 2016.
- American Heart Association. Why arrhythmia matters. Updated September 30, 2016.
- Henz BD, Leite LR. Atrial fibrillation and cryptogenic thromboembolic events. Arq Bras Cardiol. 2018;111(2):132–133. doi:10.5935/abc.20180141
- Cleveland Clinic. Arrhythmia treatments. Updated on April 23, 2019.
- Kim W, Kim EJ. Heart failure as a risk factor for stroke. J Stroke. 2018;20(1):33–45. doi:10.5853/jos.2017.02810
- American Heart Association. Warning signs of heart failure. Updated May 31, 2017.
- Havakuk O, King KS, Grazette L, et al. Heart failure-induced brain injury. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2017;69(12):1609-1616. doi:10.1016/j.jacc.2017.01.022
- American Heart Association. Understand your risk for excessive blood clotting.
- American Heart Association. Problem: Mitral valve prolapse. Updated May 31, 2016.
- American Heart Association. About heart attacks. Updated July 31, 2016.
- Sundbøll J, Horváth-puhó E, Schmidt M, et al. Long-term risk of stroke in myocardial infarction survivors: thirty-year population-based cohort study. Stroke. 2016;47(7):1727-1733. doi:10.1161/STROKEAHA.116.013321
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Conditions that increase risk for a stroke. Updated January 31, 2020.
- Collado FMS, Poulin MF, Murphy JJ, Jneid H, Kavinsky CJ. Patent foramen ovale closure for stroke prevention and other disorders. J Am Heart Assoc. 2018;7(12). doi:10.1161/JAHA.117.007146
- Whitehead L. The family experience of fatigue in heart failure. J Fam Nurs. 2017;23(1):138-156. doi:10.1177/1074840716684232
- Hauber AB, Obi EN, Price MA, Whalley D, Chang CL. Quantifying the relative importance to patients of avoiding symptoms and outcomes of heart failure. Curr Med Res Opin. 2017;33(11):2027-2038. doi:10.1080/03007995.2017.1355782
Writer Bio
Janelle Vaesa received her Master of Public Health degree in 2008 and Bachelor of Science in health and human performance in 2006, both from the University of Louisville. Vaesa has worked in a variety of settings, focusing on improving the health of clients. Vaesa began running in 2000 and in 2005 began racing in triathlons.