Chronic diseases and conditions are the leading causes of death and disability in the United States, according to the federal agency that tracks public health matters. In 2005, nearly one out every two adults had at least one chronic illness. Read this list of the most common health problems and learn about ways to combat them.

More than half the U.S. adult population is considered overweight or obese, according to this calculation. The resulting conditions are often gateways to chronic diseases and are a major health concern.

Public health authorities estimate that more than 73 million people in the United States have high blood pressure. Unfortunately, many of them are unaware that they suffer from a silent killer.

Affecting more than 50 million people in the U.S., allergies are one of the nation's most common medical problems. Indoor/outdoor allergens, such as those causing hay fever, lead the sniffly list.

With roughly 50 million sufferers in the United States, arthritis is the leading cause of disability in the nation.

As more people in the U.S. develop weight problems, the prevalence of diabetes is increasing, too. Roughly 26 million people now suffer from the complex disease.

In the last few decades, asthma has made a strong comeback among the chronic ailments. With nearly 20 million sufferers in the United States, this common illness can be fatal.

Heart disease, a collective banner for many cardiovascular aliments, is the deadliest chronic illness in the United States. Coronary artery disease leads the pack, with nearly 18 million sufferers.

It's the No. 2 cause of death in the United States, but cancer survivors number 11.7 million. Lung cancer is the most prevalent type for both men and women, mainly due to cigarette smoking.

For stroke, the third leading cause of death in the United States, health statisticians place the number of sufferers at 6.7 million. It is a major cause of disability and almost always connected to other chronic diseases and conditions.

The prevalence of Alzheimer's disease and dementia disorders stands at roughly 5 million sufferers. It's the only major chronic illness with no known prevention or cure, which might be the reason it's an ongoing topic on a prime-time hit.

Source:Specials