America's Most Expensive Health Conditions: How to Protect Yourself from High Medical Costs

AMERICA'S MOST EXPENSIVE HEALTH CONDITIONS How to protect yourself from high medical costs HEART DISEASE Cardiovascular disease, including coronary heart disease, hypertension, stroke, and heart failure, is the leading cause of death and affects one third of the U.S. population. The total cost of heart disease in the U.S. was $444 billion in 2010. The average cost of treating a patient with a heart attack in 2011 was $72,000. 150 $108.9 COSTS OF MAJOR 100- $93.5 CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES $93.5 50 Estimated Direct and Indirect $34.4 Costs of Major Cardiovascular Diseases, United States, 2010* Coronary Heart Disease Hypertensive Stroke Disease Heart Failure Cost in Billions PREVENTION: Exercise at least five days a week. O Eat a healthy diet including fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Maintain a Stop smoking. healthy weight. CANCER Cancer ranks second on the list of leading causes of death in the U.S. with a total cost of $88.7 billion. Although genetics plays a major role in one's risk of developing cancer, there are many important preventative steps that may be taken to reduce risk. PREVENTION: Maintain a Eat a healthy diet including fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Exercise at least five Limit sun exposure and wear Stop smoking. healthy weight. days a week. sunscreen. DEPRESSION The cost of depression and related mental illnesses estimated to be $34 million, including both direct costs of treatment and indirect costs such as loss of work time. PREVENTION: Know your family history and risk of depression. Consult a mental health professional if you notice significant changes in your thinking or mood. DIABETES The cost of diabetes climbed to $245 billion in 2012 based on reported cases. However, researchers estimate that up to 25% of people with the disease are unaware that they have it. PREVENTION: Exercise at least Maintain a Eat a five days a week. healthy weight. balanced diet. HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE High blood pressure increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and other illnesses. PREVENTION: Reduce salt Eat a balanced diet. Exercise Manage stress through Stop smoking. intake. regularly. meditation or yoga. INJURIES The cost of traffic-related injuries was estimated to be nearly $1 trillion in 2010. When you add the cost of accidents at home and work such as slip and fall cases, the injury category easily qualifies as the most expensive form of illness in the U.S. PREVENTION: Avoid erratic drivers. Don't text and drive. Never drive when tired. http://www.cdc.gov/chronicdisease/resources/publications/AAG/dhdsp.htm " Source: Heidenreich PA, Trogdon JG, Khavjou OA, Butler J, Dracup E, Ezekowitz MD, et al. Forecasting the future of cardiovascular disease in the United States: a policy statement from the American Heart Association, Circulation 2011:123(8):933-944. ENationalPositions Benefit Packages.com