Staying Healthy
Having one chronic condition can boost the risk for others
If you have certain disorders, it may be time to get health screenings and try to prevent more problems.
Chronic disease is a scourge of older age. About 85% of people ages 60 or older have at least one such condition, and 60% have at least two. The numbers can climb even higher; some diseases seem to go hand in hand, so having one automatically increases your risk for developing another.
A vicious cycle
Some of the most common chronic conditions are very closely related, such as obesity, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and heart disease. Many of these conditions are risk factors for each other, creating a domino effect: if one is not controlled, it raises the risk of developing another.
To continue reading this article, you must log in.
Subscribe to Harvard Health Online for immediate access to health news and information from Harvard Medical School.
- Research health conditions
- Check your symptoms
- Prepare for a doctor's visit or test
- Find the best treatments and procedures for you
- Explore options for better nutrition and exercise
I'd like to receive access to Harvard Health Online for only $4.99 a month.
Sign Me UpAlready a member? Login ».
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
