Chronic conditions—also known as chronic diseases—are long-term health issues that last one year or more, require ongoing medical care, or limit daily activities. As of 2025, these conditions remain a major global health concern due to their persistent nature, progressive impact, and significant contribution to mortality, disability, and rising healthcare costs. The following facts and statistics highlight the growing prevalence and burden of chronic illnesses both in the United States and around the world.
How Widespread Is the Impact of Chronic Conditions?
- Global Burden: By 2025, nearly three-quarters of the world’s population is projected to live with at least one chronic illness, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
- United States: In 2023, 76.4% of US adults (about 194 million people) reported having at least one chronic condition, and 51.4% had two or more.
- Europe: In the WHO European Region, chronic diseases account for 90% of all deaths and 85% of disability, including mental health issues.
- Premature Death: A significant proportion of deaths from chronic diseases are premature (before age 70), with 60% of avoidable noncommunicable disease (NCD) deaths attributed to preventable causes such as tobacco use, unhealthy diets, alcohol consumption, and physical inactivity.
- Economic Impact: In the US, direct healthcare costs for chronic conditions reached $1.1 trillion in 2016, and costs continue to rise.
How Have Chronic Disease Trends Evolved from 2013 to 2023?
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The prevalence of at least one chronic condition increased from 72.3% to 76.4%.
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Multiple chronic conditions (two or more) increased from 47.3% to 51.4%.
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Notable increases among young adults for obesity (22.1% to 27.3%) and depression (16.4% to 25.0%).
What Factors Are Driving the Rise in Chronic Conditions?
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Aging Population: As populations age, age-related chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes are increasing.
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Lifestyle: Sedentary behavior, poor diet, and stress are major contributors.
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Environmental and Genetic Factors: Pollution and genetic predispositions also play a role.
How Are Healthcare Systems Responding to Chronic Illnesses?
- The global chronic disease management market is expected to grow rapidly, from $6.61 billion in 2025 to $20.87 billion by 2034, driven by rising prevalence and the adoption of technologies like AI for early detection and personalized care.
- WHO highlights that targeted public health measures—such as reducing tobacco and alcohol use, promoting healthy diets, and increasing physical activity—can significantly reduce the burden of chronic diseases within just five years.
What Are the Key U.S. Statistics on Chronic Conditions in 2023?
| Condition | Prevalence (%) |
|---|---|
| ≥1 Chronic condition | 76.4 |
| ≥2 Chronic conditions | 51.4 |
| Obesity | 32.7 |
| Depression | 20.2 |
| High cholesterol | 35.3 |
| High blood pressure | 34.5 |
| Diabetes | 12.1 |
| Heart disease | 6.5 |
| Cancer | 8.0 |
| COPD | 6.2 |
| Stroke | 3.4 |
| Chronic kidney disease | 3.8 |
What’s the Outlook for Chronic Conditions in 2025 and Beyond?
Chronic conditions in 2025 are more prevalent than ever, affecting the vast majority of adults in developed countries and a growing share globally. They are driven by aging, lifestyle, and environmental factors, and represent the leading cause of death and disability worldwide. The economic and social burden is immense, but targeted health policies and technological advances offer hope for improved management and prevention
FAQs
Chronic Care Management (CCM) refers to a specialized healthcare service designed to provide coordinated and continuous care for patients with two or more chronic conditions expected to last at least 12 months or until the patient’s death
Chronic Care Management (CCM) itself does not have specific ICD-10 codes because ICD-10-CM codes classify diseases and conditions, not services like CCM. Instead, CCM billing requires documenting two or more chronic conditions using appropriate ICD-10 codes that justify the need for CCM services