What is a 'comorbidity'?

A comorbidity refers to the presence of one or more additional health conditions or disorders that occur simultaneously with a primary condition. For instance, if a patient has diabetes as the primary condition, they may also experience hypertension or depression as comorbidities. Understanding comorbidities is crucial in healthcare because they can complicate treatment plans, affect disease progression, and impact patient outcomes. Recognizing and addressing comorbidities can lead to more comprehensive care and improved health management. This concept is important because managing multiple health issues often requires a tailored approach to treatment, focusing not just on the primary condition but also on how the additional conditions may influence overall health.