Health Issues in America

There seems to be a practically limitless stream of illnesses and conditions about which one should worry. Some of them are preventable while others may be genetic or otherwise unavoidable. While there are some conditions that are rare and do not concern the average person, there are others that are prevalent in the United States population. It's a good idea to learn about these illnesses and discover how to prevent them, if possible, as well as what to expect if you develop one of them.

High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is one of the most serious health issues Americans face today. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), about one-third of adults in the United Stated have high blood pressure. When a person has high blood pressure, the force of the blood in his arteries is significantly higher than normal. This condition is linked to a higher risk of developing heart disease, having a heart attack and having a stroke.

Cholesterol

High cholesterol is another health problem that affects many Americans. When a person has high cholesterol, deposits of cholesterol, a wax-like substance, build up in his arteries, making it harder for blood to flow through them. This condition puts a person at increased risk of having a heart attack or stroke.

Obesity

Many Americans struggle with obesity, which means they have more body fat than is considered healthy. According to the World Health Organization, a person is obese if his Body Mass Index (BMI) is above 30. When a person is obese, he faces health risks, such as the increased chance of developing high blood pressure and being diagnosed with high cholesterol. He may also be at increased risk of developing diabetes and heart disease.

Diabetes

Many people in the United States have a health issue called diabetes. There are different types of diabetes, but they are all marked by excess glucose in the blood. Glucose is blood sugar, and too much of it can cause a person to have seizures. If left untreated, diabetes can contribute to the development of heart disease, nerve damage, problems with the eyes and health issues that affect the feet, skin, bones and joints. A coma is another possible complication of untreated diabetes.

Mental Health

Often talk of health issues is focused on those that are physical in nature. However, many Americans face another type of health issue--mental illness. According to the "Scientific American," approximately 26 percent of those living in the United States are dealing with mental disorders, which can include everything from depression and anxiety to bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.

Resources

• The Mayo Clinic on Cholesterol
• The AHA on High Blood Pressure
• The Scientific American on Mental Illness

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