Heart disease and cancer have been at the top of the list for more than a decade and accounted for more than 37% of U.S. deaths in 2021, the most recent data available. COVID-19 has climbed into the top rankings since the pandemic began in 2020. Heart disease, cancer, and COVID-19 are the top three causes of death in the United States and account for more than half of the deaths in the country, according to the CDC.
An analysis of CDC data revealed that there were 3,464,231 deaths in the US that year, a 2.4% increase over 2020. The study noted that while age-adjusted death rates for heart disease and cancer have decreased over the past 20 years, those for Alzheimer’s disease and unintentional injury have nearly doubled between 1999 and 2021.
1. Cancer
Everybody has some degree of risk, but for most cancers, the risk will increase with age; some people have a higher or lower risk due to differences in carcinogen exposure, such as from smoking or exposure to chemical pollutants; genetic factors also play a strong role in cancer development; race and sex also play a role, depending on the type; however, lung cancer is the cancer that kills more people than all other cancers combined.
Still, advancements in cancer treatment are constantly being made by researchers, and since 1991, the U.S. death rate from all malignancies has decreased by 26% (Trusted Source).
2. Heart disease
More than half of all deaths worldwide are attributable to heart disease, which is the leading cause of death for both men and women. Heart disease is a term used by medical professionals to refer to a variety of conditions, many of which are related to the accumulation of plaque in the artery walls. As the plaque develops, the arteries narrow, making it harder for blood to flow throughout the body and raising the risk of a heart attack or stroke. It can also result in angina, arrhythmias, and heart failure.
Knowing the signs of a heart attack can help individuals receive timely medical attention and possibly save their lives. Individuals can also safeguard their heart health by maintaining a healthy diet and engaging in regular exercise, which can lower their chance of dying from heart disease.
3. Alzheimer’s disease
Deaths in 2017: 121,404 Trusted Source Percentage of all deaths: 4.3% Dementia is a collection of conditions that cause a decline in cognitive function, which impacts an individual’s capacity to carry out daily tasks. Dementia is caused by damage to brain neurons, which can die and become dysfunctional, resulting in changes to memory, behavior, and cognitive function.
Alzheimer’s disease is a type of dementia; vascular dementia, on the other hand, is characterized by changes in blood flow to the brain and can cause similar symptoms. Individuals suffering from Alzheimer’s disease eventually lose the ability to perform basic functions like walking and swallowing; those in the final stages of the disease may not be able to leave their bed and may need round-the-clock care.
Alzheimer’s disease is ultimately fatal. The Alzheimer’s Association estimates that 5.8 million people in the United States currently have Alzheimer’s disease; this number could rise to 14 million by 2050 due to rising life expectancy. Among the top 10, Alzheimer’s is the only one for which there is no known treatment, preventive measure, or slowdown by medical professionals.
4. Unintentional injuries
Deaths from accidents (169,936; Trusted Source): 6% of all deaths; accidents rank as the fourth most common cause of death in the United States overall and the top cause of death for those between the ages of 1 and 44.
5. Kidney disease
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a condition that damages the kidneys, making them less effective at filtering blood. This leads to waste from the blood remaining in the body, which can cause other health issues. Approximately 30 million Americans may be affected by CKD to some extent. The risk factors for CKD include being over 60 years old, having a family history of the condition, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Since CKD develops gradually and usually does not cause symptoms until it is at an advanced stage, routine screenings can help lower a person’s risk of passing away from kidney disease.
6. Chronic lower respiratory disease
refers to a group of lung conditions that block the airflow and cause breathing-related issues. These diseases include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) bronchitis emphysema asthma. Deaths in 2017: 160,201 TRUE Source Percentage of total deaths: 5.7%. A person’s risk of acquiring these illnesses is significantly increased by smoking.
7. Influenza and pneumonia
Deaths from influenza in 2017: 55,672Trusted Source 2% of all deaths Flu is a highly contagious viral infection that is one of the most severe illnesses of the winter season. It spreads easily from person to person, usually through coughing or sneezing. A person can contract the flu more than once because several strains of the virus can cause infection. These strains are grouped into three families: A, B, and C. Adults are more likely to contract type A viruses, while children are more likely to contract type B viruses. Type C viruses are relatively uncommon.
People who have the flu may also be at risk for complications from pneumonia, a serious condition that causes inflammation of the lungs. Pneumonia causes the air sacs in the lungs to fill with pus and other fluids, which prevents oxygen from reaching the bloodstream and can be fatal if there is insufficient oxygen for the body’s cells to function.
8. Stroke and cerebrovascular diseases
The number of deaths from cerebrovascular diseases in the United States was 146,383 in 2017 (Source: Trusted Source). The percentage of deaths overall is 5.2%. These diseases are caused by issues with the blood vessels that supply the brain. Four of the most common types of cerebrovascular diseases are stroke, transient ischemic attack, mini-stroke, subarachnoid hemorrhage, and vascular dementia. The risk of stroke varies with age, race, and ethnicity. The Southeast has the highest death rates from strokes in the country.
9. Diabetes
The body converts most food into glucose, a simple sugar that the body can use for energy. The pancreas, an organ located near the stomach, produces a hormone called insulin to move glucose from the bloodstream into the cells. Deaths in 2017: 83,564 Trusted Source Percentage of total deaths: 3% Diabetes is a condition where the body cannot control blood glucose, which leads to dangerously high levels of blood glucose. Persistent hyperglycemia can damage the body’s tissues, including those in the nerves, blood vessels, and eyes.
Diabetes can cause serious health complications, such as heart disease, blindness, kidney failure, and the need for lower limb amputation. There are two main types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2. Type 1 diabetics’ bodies cannot use insulin effectively, so they must supplement their supply. Type 2 diabetics’ bodies cannot produce insulin at all. However, type 2 diabetics can control their risk by following a strict diet and exercising regularly.
10. Suicide
Deaths in 2017: 47,173 Trusted Source Suicide is the second-leading cause of death among people aged 10–34 years. Building a strong support network, taking the prescribed medications, and seeking therapy may help reduce the risk of suicide. It is important to note that not all individuals who attempt suicide or die by suicide have mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder.
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