What are the top 3 chronic diseases?

Introduction: Chronic Disease Needs a New Perspective

Chronic diseases account for 7 out of 10 deaths in the U.S.—and they’re mostly preventable. At Patients Medical in New York City, we take an integrative approach to identifying and addressing the root causes of these long-term conditions, not just suppressing symptoms. By combining conventional, holistic, and functional medicine, we aim to prevent, manage, and often reverse chronic illness.

We treat the whole person, not just the diagnosis.

What Are the Top 3 Chronic Diseases?

Heart Disease

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. It includes conditions such as coronary artery disease, arrhythmias, and congestive heart failure.

Common Symptoms:

  • Chest pain or pressure
  • Shortness of breath
  • Fatigue
  • Palpitations
  • Swelling in legs or ankles

Diabetes

Diabetes affects over 37 million Americans. Type 2 diabetes is most common and is often lifestyle-related.

Common Symptoms:

  • Frequent urination and excessive thirst
  • Fatigue and blurred vision
  • Weight fluctuations
  • Slow wound healing
  • Tingling in the hands and feet

Cancer

Cancer is a group of diseases marked by uncontrolled cell growth. It can affect nearly any organ and is often tied to environmental and genetic triggers.

Common Symptoms:

  • Persistent fatigue
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Changes in skin, lumps, or persistent pain
  • Recurrent infections or fever
  • Abnormal bleeding

Why Do Chronic Diseases Develop? (Root Causes)

Functional medicine asks “why?” instead of just “what?” We identify underlying imbalances that contribute to chronic disease development:

  • Poor nutrition and inflammatory diets
  • Chronic stress and dysregulated cortisol
  • Environmental toxins (e.g., heavy metals, plastics, pesticides)
  • Poor gut health and microbiome imbalances
  • Sleep disruption and circadian rhythm dysregulation
  • Hormonal imbalances (thyroid, insulin, sex hormones)
  • Genetic predispositions worsened by lifestyle choices

Diagnostic Testing We Use

To determine what’s truly going on beneath the surface, we use cutting-edge labs:

Comprehensive blood panels and hormone tests

Cardiac inflammation markers (CRP, homocysteine)

Hemoglobin A1C and fasting glucose

Nutritional and mitochondrial profiles

Gut health testing (microbiome, parasites, leaky gut)

Toxic burden and heavy metal screening

Genetic risk factors (MTHFR, APOE, BRCA)

Integrative Treatments for Chronic Conditions

Personalized Nutrition Plans

We tailor anti-inflammatory diets based on lab findings and health goals. Common protocols include:

  • Mediterranean or plant-based plans
  • Elimination diets to identify food sensitivities
  • Low-glycemic or keto-inspired options
  • Targeted fasting strategies

IV Vitamin Therapy

IVs rich in B vitamins, glutathione, vitamin C, and magnesium to:

  • Enhance cellular detox
  • Support immunity and tissue healing
  • Improve energy and reduce oxidative stress

Herbal & Nutraceuticals

Clinically validated supplements such as:

  • Omega-3s for heart and brain
  • Berberine and chromium for blood sugar
  • Curcumin and resveratrol for inflammation
  • Green tea extract and mushrooms for cancer support

Stress and Sleep Optimization

We incorporate:

  • Guided meditation and breathwork
  • Adaptogenic herbs (ashwagandha, rhodiola)
  • Acupuncture and craniosacral therapy
  • Sleep hygiene coaching and melatonin regulation

Hormonal Rebalancing

Using bioidentical hormones, adrenal support, and thyroid optimization to restore system-wide harmony.

Weight Management Support

Obesity fuels all three top chronic conditions. We offer:

  • Medical weight loss programs
  • Body composition tracking
  • Personalized movement plans

Real Case Study: John’s Turnaround with Integrative Cardiac Care

John, 58, came to us after his second heart attack. Despite medications, his cholesterol and blood pressure remained high. Our testing revealed:

  • Elevated CRP and homocysteine
  • Severe magnesium deficiency
  • High mercury levels
  • Early-stage insulin resistance

We created a 4-month integrative plan including:

  • Anti-inflammatory diet rich in omega-3s
  • IV magnesium and glutathione
  • Detox protocol for mercury
  • Guided stress relief and biofeedback

Four months later, John’s inflammation markers dropped, his cholesterol stabilized, and his cardiologist reduced his medication dosage by half.

Testimonials

Frequently Asked Questions

In many early or moderate cases, yes. Lifestyle, diet, and integrative therapies can help reverse Type 2 diabetes, reduce cardiovascular risk, and improve outcomes for some cancers.

We don’t just treat symptoms—we identify and address root causes using advanced diagnostics, nutrition, detoxification, hormone balancing, and stress management.

We use specialized testing, including inflammatory markers, hormone panels, genetic markers, gut health analysis, and toxin screenings, to uncover underlying imbalances.

Possibly. Many patients reduce or eliminate medications under medical supervision, but we support blending conventional and integrative care for the best outcomes.

We are an out-of-network provider. We provide superbills to help patients seek reimbursement, and some advanced lab tests may be partially covered.

Most patients notice improvements within 4 to 12 weeks, depending on the severity of their condition and their commitment to the recommended plan.

Yes. We frequently work with post-cardiac and cancer recovery patients to improve energy, strengthen immunity, and prevent recurrence through holistic support.

We often recommend anti-inflammatory, Mediterranean-style or plant-forward diets—customized to your labs and food sensitivities to reduce disease progression.

Absolutely. Our physicians are trained in both conventional and holistic medicine. We ensure all therapies are safe and complementary to your existing treatments.

You can call our office at 212-794-8800 or request an appointment at PatientsMedical.com. We’ll begin with a full consultation, labs, and a custom care plan.

Begin Your Journey with Patients Medical

Patients Medical specializes in gently helping the patient identify the root cause of their medical issues and then assist them to recover from their problems to help them move forward to good health.

Request your consultation today!

To schedule an in person on Tele-medicine appointment, please call our office at (212) 794-8800 or email us at info@PatientsMedical.com We look forward to hearing from you

Our medical center in New York City.

Patients Medical PC
1148 Fifth Avenue, Suite 1B New York, NY 10128

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