Chronic Disease Facts

Chronic diseases are defined broadly as conditions that last 1 year or more and require ongoing medical attention or limit activities of daily living or both. Chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes are the leading causes of death and disability in the United States. Chronic diseases have significant health and economic costs in the United States.

While chronic diseases are the most common and costly health problems facing the nation, they are also largely preventable when individuals and communities choose to adapt healthy lifestyles through proper nutrition, increased opportunities to be physically active, and avoiding tobacco use.