Disease is sickness or abnormal functioning of a living organism due to internal and external factors. Disease is caused by a variety of sources including: viruses, bacteria, radiation, malnutrition, over-nutrition, old age, genetics, toxins, and more. The most common diseases leading to death in the U.S. include heart disease | cancer | and stroke.

The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you think you have this disease, please consult your doctor.

• A chronic disease condition lasts more than 1 year

• About 45% of Americans had a chronic disease condition in 2000http://www.publichealthreports.org/userfiles/119_3/119263.pdf

• About 21% of Americans had multiple chronic disease conditions in 2000.http://www.publichealthreports.org/userfiles/119_3/119263.pdf

• 78% of health care dollars were spent on people with chronic disease condition in 2000.http://www.publichealthreports.org/userfiles/119_3/119263.pdf

• Women are about 50% more likely to have multiple chronic disease conditions than men.http://www.publichealthreports.org/userfiles/119_3/119263.pdf

• Annual economic impact for the seven most disease conditions in the U.S. is estimated at over $1.3 trillion.http://www.milkeninstitute.org/publications/publications.taf?function=detail&ID=38801018&cat=ResRep

Most common diseases leading to death in the U.S. according to the CDC:http://www.cdc.gov/NCCDPHP/burdenbook2004/Section01/tables.htm

1. Heart Disease: diseases of the heart and cardiovascular system, accounts for 66.7% of all deaths
2. Cancer: all tissue, blood, and bone cancers account for 29% of all deaths. Cancer is much more prevalent in societies where people have longer life-spans.
3. Stroke: Interruption of blood-supply to the brain causing cell death: accounts for 6.8% of all deaths
4. Chronic Lower Respiratory Disease: such as pneumonia and pulmonary embolism: accounts for 5.1% of all deaths
5. Diabetes: improper function or response to insulin: accounts for 3% of all deaths

A majority of the heart diseases, the number one killer in the U.S., are preventable through diet, weight-management, and exercise.http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/heart-disease-prevention/WO00041