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Chronic Diseases

A chronic condition is a health condition or disease that is persistent or otherwise long-lasting in its effects or a disease that comes with time. The term chronic is often applied when the course of the disease lasts for more than three months.

PROJECTS

The Chronic Disease Team actively works on data requests and develops reports aimed to inform Harris County partners, stakeholders, policymakers, and the community about the impact of chronic diseases and to guide policies and interventions. Currently, two annual reports have been successfully produced:

The most recent Chronic Disease Report provides an overview of the current prevalence of leading chronic diseases in Harris County, addresses disparities in health, and calls for action. 

The Maternal and Child Health Report describes the state of maternal and infant health in Harris County, highlights the determinants of health that may be contributing to disparities in maternal and infant health, explains the importance of maternal and infant health as a public health focus, and provide a call to action. 

For more infomation contact:

Main Switchboard:

Phone:  (713) 439-6000

MORE INFORMATION ON CHRONIC DISEASES

Risk factors for chronic diseases can vary but often include unhealthy lifestyle behaviors such as poor nutrition, physical inactivity, tobacco use, and excessive alcohol consumption, as well as genetic predispositions and environmental factors. Early detection, prevention, and management of chronic diseases are essential for improving health outcomes and quality of life. 

By adopting healthier lifestyles and seeking timely medical care, individuals can better manage chronic diseases and improve their overall well-being. 

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Many conditions fall under heart disease. The most common heart disease in the United States is coronary artery disease, also known as ischemic heart disease, affecting blood flow to the heart.

A heart attack, or myocardial infarction, occurs when the blood supply to part of the heart muscle is completely blocked. If the heart stops beating, the heart muscle cannot supply the body with enough blood and oxygen, which can cause weakness, shortness of breath, and heart failure, potentially leading to death.

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Cancer refers to diseases in which abnormal cells divide out of control. The top cancers in Harris County are breast cancer, prostate cancer, and lung cancer.

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Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder that causes problems with memory, thinking, behavior, and language. It is the most common type of dementia, characterized by an impaired ability to remember, think, or make decisions. It can seriously affect a person’s ability to carry out daily activities.

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Chronic lower respiratory diseases (CLRD) refer to a group of diseases that cause airflow blockage and breathing-related problems, including emphysema and chronic bronchitis.

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Insulin acts like a key to let the blood sugar into the body’s cells for use as energy. With diabetes, the body doesn’t make enough insulin or can’t use it as well as it should. There are two types of diabetes:

  • Type 1 Diabetes: Type 1 diabetes is thought to be caused by an autoimmune reaction (the body attacks itself by mistake) that stops the body from making insulin.
  • Type 2 Diabetes: With Type 2 diabetes, the body doesn’t use insulin well and cannot keep blood sugar at normal levels.
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Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is when the kidneys are damaged and cannot filter blood as well as they should. As a result, excess fluid and waste from blood remain in the body and may cause other health problems such as heart disease and stroke.