A noncommunicable disease is not transmitted from one person to another. Several different chronic diseases are related to risk factors such as lifestyle or genetics. They can be serious and cause disability or death in some cases. While they are not transmitted from person to person, they each have unavoidable risk factors and preventable risk factors.
Coronary Artery Disease
Coronary artery disease is when the blood vessels of the heart become narrow because of atherosclerosis or plaque buildup. Coronary artery disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Men in their forties, genetics, diabetes, high blood pressure, metabolic syndrome, smokers and kidney disease predispose one to coronary artery disease. Lifestyle factors that are preventable include not smoking, exercising regularly, controlling blood pressure and cholesterol. Coronary artery disease cannot be passed from person to person.
Stroke
A stroke affects the arteries of the brain. It is when a blood vessel carrying blood to the brain bursts or becomes blocked. A stroke can be debilitating, while it is the third leading cause of death in the United States. One becomes at risk for having a stroke because of age, heredity or gender. In addition, high blood pressure, heart disease, smoking, high cholesterol and poor diet can predispose one to having a stroke. Strokes are not passed from one person to another. The good news is that some of these risk factors are preventable.
Arthritis
Osteoarthritis is a debilitating disease that causes the breakdown the cartilage in the joints. It can affect major joints in the hands, knees, hips or spine. Osteoarthritis can cause pain and swelling; therefore, those with this condition are predisposed to falls and other complications related to decreased mobility. Heredity, previous injury, being overweight and age are risk factors for osteoarthritis.
Diabetes
Diabetes is a condition in which the pancreas is not making insulin or not making enough, or the body is unable to use the insulin efficiently enough to break down glucose. Glucose builds up in the cells and can lead to complications. The most common type of diabetes is type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes risk factors include heredity, being overweight, being physically inactive, and having an unhealthy diet. It is not a disease that can be transferred from one person to another through contact.
