More Americans living with multiple chronic medical conditions

The latest U.S. health data show 44% of Americans had at least one chronic medical condition in 2005, up from 41% in 1996. The percentage of those with three or more chronic conditions jumped from 13% to 22% for people ages 45 to 64 and up to 45% for those 65 to 79, during that time period. Increases in obesity and sedentary lifestyles may have led to more people developing two major chronic conditions -- diabetes and high blood pressure. More...