DQ Prevalent Chronic Conditions in the US, Essay Example

The term Chronic conditions refers to chronic impairments and illnesses, and includes the conditions that are anticipated to last for at least a year or longer, can limit the capability of an individual, and/or might necessitate constant medical care. Conditions termed as chronic affect individuals from all walks of life and of all ages.

Hypertension

Hypertension affects above 73m (or 1 in 3) Americans and is a key risk factor in renal failure, heart failure, stroke and myocardial infarctions; and a foremost cause in mortality and morbidity in America (Hypertension Insights). High blood pressure (hypertension) accounts for over 960,000 deaths in the United States each year (Doctors Guide).

Effective Preventive Measures

Hypertension can be prevented through increased awareness of hypertension amongst the public in general. Additionally, both patients and physicians are required to realize the underlying principal for treating to goal in addition to having tools to assist in the achievement of this goal.

Arthritis

Over 46m Americans (21%) have arthritis, above 60% of arthritis patients are females and almost two thirds of these patient are below 65 years. This number is anticipated to rise to 67m by 2030 (Estimates of the prevalence of arthritis and other rheumatic conditions in the United States).

Effective Preventive Measures

Arthritis has no known cure, but a number of measures can be undertaken to prevent its occurrence. These include: (1) weight control (sustaining a healthy weight) – this will help lessen the strain or stress on the joints, mainly in the knees; (2) Taking a balanced diet- this avails the nutrients and natural vitamins needed for the normal functionality of the body; and (3) Regular exercise- This will assist in maintenance of a healthy muscle tone plus vigor to the joints (Arthritisprevention.com).

Heart Disease

More than 58, 800,000Americans (1 in every 4) suffer from one of several forms of heart disease (Heart disease facts). Approximately 700, 142 Americans die of heart disease each year i.e. more than 1 in every 4 deaths (Centers for disease control and prevention).

Effective Preventive Measures

One can greatly reduce the chances of contracting heart disease through lifestyle changes such as physical inactivity, smoking, hypertension, being overweight, obesity and high blood cholesterol levels, plus medication in some cases.

Works Cited

“Arthritis Prevention.” ArthritisPrevention.com. 13 June 2009. 23 Oct. 2009 <http://www.arthritisprevention.com/>

Atacand available in U.S. for Hypertension.” Doctors’ Guide. 04 Feb. 2008. 11 Sept. 2008. <http://www.pslgroup.com/dg/B79B6.htm>

“Heart Disease.” Centers for disease control and prevention.  14 June 2007. 09 Oct. 2007. <http://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/>

“Hypertension: An Overview.” Hypertension Insights.  26 Apr. 2009. 12 Aug. 2009. <http://www.hypertensioninsights.com/hypertension-risks.html>

“National health and nutrition examination survey.” National Center for Health Statistics. 23 March 2006. 19 Apr. 2006 <http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nhanes.htm>

“Part I. Arthritis & Rheumatism.” Estimates of the prevalence of arthritis and other rheumatic conditions in the United States.  27 Nov. 2007. 12 Jan. 2008. <http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/cgi-bin/abstract/117874817/ABSTRACT?CRETRY=1&SRETRY=0>