What Are the 22 Types of Chronic Diseases?

There are more than 22 types of chronic diseases, which is a very large clinical concept that covers almost the most important disease types of the cardiovascular system, respiratory system, endocrine system, and nervous system, involving the widest range of patient populations. Common chronic diseases include coronary atherosclerotic heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, and schizophrenia.

Coronary atherosclerotic heart disease, also known as coronary heart disease, refers to the narrowing or occlusion of the lumen caused by atherosclerosis of the coronary arteries, leading to myocardial ischemia, hypoxia, or necrosis, and ultimately causing heart disease. Mild luminal narrowing may not cause symptoms of myocardial ischemia. In severe cases, coronary blood flow can be reduced to only meet the oxygen demand of the myocardium at rest; however, during physical exertion, emotional arousal, or other situations, the increased oxygen demand of the myocardium can cause or worsen the insufficient supply of myocardial oxygen and lead to symptoms such as angina pectoris.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common, preventable, and treatable disease characterized by persistent respiratory symptoms and airflow limitation, often associated with abnormal airways and/or alveoli caused by significant exposure to harmful particles or gases. It typically has a slow onset and a long course, with no conscious symptoms in the early stage. The main symptoms include chronic cough, sputum production, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, wheezing, and chest tightness.

Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disease characterized by disorders in the basic life activities of metabolism and the dysfunction of insulin, an important hormone for metabolic regulation. Diabetes is generally associated with genetic factors, lifestyle, autoimmune factors, and other factors. Clinically, it is typically manifested as increased thirst, appetite, urination, and weight loss.

Schizophrenia is a chronic and severe mental illness with unknown etiology. Common manifestations include auditory hallucinations, paranoia, bizarre delusions, or language and thought disorders.