About Chronic Disease
A chronic disease is an illness or condition that even though it cannot be cured, it can be managed with lifestyle changes, medication, and medical care. Chronic diseases can last anywhere from three months to a few years. Some chronic diseases are lifelong.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), one in two U.S. adults has a chronic disease while one in four U.S. adults has two or more. Chronic diseases are responsible for 7 out of every 10 deaths each year in the United States. Treating people with chronic diseases accounts for 86% of the nation’s health care costs.
Chronic Disease in Allegheny County
In Allegheny County, rates of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart attacks, respiratory disease, and stroke all exceed national levels:
| Diagnosed with Chronic Disease |
Allegheny County |
Pennsylvania |
United States |
| Diabetes |
11% |
10.2% |
9.7% |
| Cardiovascular Disease |
5.0% |
4.7% |
4.1% |
| Heart Attack |
5.0% |
4.7% |
4.1% |
| Stroke |
4.0% |
3.4% |
2.6% |
Underinsured or Uninsured Resource Guide
Residents of Allegheny County that are under- or uninsured can use the ACHD Resource Guide(PDF, 608KB) to find location and contact information for clinics or health centers offering services.