Most Common Comorbidities among Hospital Patients: Hypertension: 7,321 cases; 20.4% of discharges; Fluid and electrolyte disorders: 4,798 cases; 13.6% of discharges; Chronic obstructive lung disease (emphysema or chronic bronchitis): 3,843 cases; 10.9% of discharges; Diabetes mellitus: 3,375 cases; 9.5% of discharges; Irregular heartbeat (cardiac disrhythmia): 2,398 cases; 6.8% of discharges

Source: Hospitalization in the United States, 1997 (HCUP Fact Book No. 1), AHRQ Publication No. 00-0031, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, May 2000.

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