hus14

Selected Chronic Conditions
For adults aged 55–64, the percentage with hypercholesterolemia
was higher in 2009–2012 (50.1%) than in
1999–2002 (39.1%), while the prevalence of other selected
chronic conditions was similar in both time periods.
Chronic conditions are common among those aged 55–64
and necessitate periodic contact with the health care system
for monitoring, treatment, and control to promote optimum
health and wellness. Obesity increases the risk of heart
disease, stroke, diabetes, certain cancers, kidney disease, and
osteoarthritis (51). Diabetes increases the risk of heart
disease, stroke, kidney disease, blindness, and peripheral
nerve disease (52,53). High serum cholesterol levels increase
the risk of heart disease and stroke (54). High blood pressure
also increases the risk of heart disease and stroke (55).
the levels in 1999–2002. In 2009–2012, one-half (50.1%) of
those aged 55–64 had hypercholesterolemia c (defined as
taking cholesterol-lowering medication or having a
measured serum total cholesterol level of at least
240 mg/dL), up from 39.1% in 1999–2002. The percentage
with measured high cholesterol was stable, but the
percentage taking cholesterol-lowering drugs increased
(Table 61) (56). Additionally, one-half (51.4%) of those aged
55–64 in 2009–2012 had hypertension d , similar to the level
in 1999–2002.
Increases in the prevalence of chronic conditions may be
related to a variety of factors, including higher incidence
(new cases), longer duration with the condition, and
increased diagnosis.
In 2009–2012, about 2 in 10 (18.9%) of those aged 55–64
had diabetes a , and 4 in 10 were obese b (40.6%), similar to
Figure 21. Selected chronic conditions among adults aged 55–64: United States, 1999–2002 and 2009–2012
Diabetesa
16.7
18.9
1999–2002
2009–2012
Obesityb
38.9
40.6
Hypercholesterolemiac
39.1
50.1
Hypertensiond
49.5
51.4
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70
Percent
a Defined as respondent report of physician-diagnosed diabetes, or
undiagnosed diabetes (measured fasting plasma glucose of at least
126 mg/dL or a hemoglobin A1c of at least 6.5%).
b Defined as body mass index greater than or equal to 30.
c Defined as reporting taking cholesterol-lowering medication or having
a measured serum total cholesterol level of at least 240 mg/dL.
d Defined as reporting taking antihypertensive medication or having a
measured systolic blood pressure of at least 140 mm Hg or a measured
diastolic blood pressure of at least 90 mm Hg.
NOTE: See data table for Figure 21.
SOURCE: CDC/NCHS, National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. See
Appendix I, National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).
Excel and PowerPoint: http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/hus/contents2014.htm#fig21
26 Chartbook: Special Feature on Adults Aged 55–64 Health, United States, 2014