What is multimorbidity? How can genes common to co-existing chronic conditions help treat it

Multimorbidity is a condition that is considered a challenge for health systems as the cases significantly rise among the ageing population

The Week, February 11, 2025 : Recent study by the University of Exeter Medical School, UK, revealed that genes that are common to two or more chronic conditions like hypertension and sleep apnoea could help prevent and treat multimorbidity. 

What is multimorbidity? 

Multimorbidity is a condition where a person has two or more chronic (long-term) health conditions at the same time. The condition is often considered as a challenge for health systems. Multi-level interventions in healthcare, public health and social-care policies are required to tackle the condition. 

Healthcare providers play a significant role in identifying and improving the condition of those affected with multimorbidity. 

What are the consequences of multimorbidity? 

1. People with multimorbidity die prematurely

2. Frequent hospital admissions and longer hospital stays

3. It's a costly affair as they see a large number of different medical specialists during a typical year

4. Reduced physical activity may lead to depression or other disorders

5. Quality of life, and ability to work are affected

The study, published in eBioMedicine journal, analysed links between 72 chronic age-related conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, stroke and hypertension, in pairs. 

Hypertension and osteoarthritis were among the most prevalent conditions, while type 2 diabetes was among the most heritable (a trait that can be passed from a parent to a child through genes). 

"For the first time, we've combined analysis of both genetics and clinical records on a massive scale in a new and robust approach to identify where genes play a critical role in more than one condition," said lead author Joao Delgado. 

We identified the role of treatable conditions such as B12 deficiency and iron deficiency anaemia in the development of multimorbidity, added Delgado.

Now, research is being done on drugs and lifestyle changes that are already in place for treating the existing conditions that could be repurposed to prevent multimorbidity, with promising results.