The 10 Leading Causes Of Death In America

Statistics find that over three million people die in the United States every year. Mortality is undeniably a difficult subject, but awareness is important for many reasons. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) released data revealing the 10 leading causes of death in the country – information that can be invaluable both to families who have an affected loved one and people who wish to take proactive measures to protect their long-term health.

In fact, the information provides valuable insight into the nation's overall health. At the same time, it highlights the importance of awareness. On the list are chronic conditions like heart disease, cancer, and diabetes, as well as threats like car accidents and poisoning. Every year, these culprits affect millions of people and their loved ones. Many health challenges may be managed with specific types of care, potentially leading to improved quality of life.

While the reality of these statistics can be overwhelming, they also serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of prevention and early intervention. Understanding the leading causes of death can encourage people to make informed choices, seek regular medical care, and adopt habits that promote a healthy lifestyle. Here are the CDC's leading causes of death in the United States.

Per the CDC, heart disease is the main cause of death among both men and women. The statistics are incredibly sobering. Every 33 seconds, the disease claims a life, and people spend millions of dollars annually on medication and care. Despite its prevalence, at least 51% of Americans aren't aware of its severity. "Heart disease has now been the leading cause of death in this country for 100 years straight," says Joseph C. Wu, M.D., Ph.D., FAHA, a volunteer president of the American Heart Association. "...[f]inding that most people do not know the significant impact of heart disease, is discouraging and even a bit frightening."

There are several kinds of cardiovascular conditions. The most common is coronary artery disease, which occurs when plaque builds up in the arterial walls and prevents blood from flowing to the heart. Other heart diseases include arrhythmias, which affect the heart's normal sinus rhythm; heart failure, which can cause shortness of breath, fatigue, and cardiomyopathy (or "stiff" heart); and congenital heart disease, defects that can cause abnormalities to different parts of the heart.

Heart disease can develop for many reasons. In some cases, family history can influence certain factors — like high cholesterol and hypertension – that lead to cardiovascular health problems. These are common risk factors, as well as diabetes and sleep apnea. Lifestyle factors, like drinking, smoking, drug use, obesity, and lack of physical activity, can also play significant roles. Cardiologists can provide important, life-saving support to patients.

Cancer is the second-leading cause of death in the country. At the same time, the death rate due to cancer has actually declined, falling by 32% between 1991 and 2019. The American Cancer Society attributes this at least in part to earlier diagnoses leading to longer lifespans. While this is positive news, cancer is a relentless disease. It's estimated that over two million Americans will be newly diagnosed in 2025, with over 618,000 deaths.

Dr. Folakemi Odedina, Ph.D., of the Mayo Clinic explains, "Even though we have declining death rates, we still continue to see huge gaps and to see disparities in certain racial and ethnic minorities. In some communities, especially Black or Latino communities, and in parts of the Asian and Pacific Islander population, we see some significant disparities in the area of cancer." It's one of the key reasons the medical community stresses the importance of both awareness and access to quality care.

Of the different types, lung cancer claims the most lives (estimated at over 350 every day), followed by colorectal. What's more, breast cancer diagnoses have increased — and although the disease typically affects women over the age of 50, there was a 1.4% increase in diagnoses among those younger than 50. Early detection through regular screenings and lifestyle choices like maintaining a healthy diet, staying active, and avoiding drugs and alcohol can significantly reduce the risk of developing certain types of cancer.

Claiming hundreds of thousands of American lives annually, accidents are the third leading cause of death in the country. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), unintentional injuries are the leading cause of death among individuals between the ages of 1 and 44. Falls, car accidents, drowning, and drug overdoses are among the most common causes, with overdoses alone accounting for a significant portion of accidental deaths.

Despite the devastation that accidents cause, prevention often takes a backseat — much to the concern of medical professionals. "Globally, the high burden of injuries has been neglected," admits Dr. Adnan Hyder, an associate professor in International Health at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. "Injury prevention has been difficult to integrate into public health in a meaningful way because it's not considered a 'disease'." Because of this perception, there's a distinct lack of both resources and awareness — leaving many individuals vulnerable to potentially preventable harm.

The good news is that many accidental deaths may be prevented via proactive measures. Wearing seat belts, installing fall-prevention devices in homes, and addressing substance use can all significantly reduce the risk of fatal injuries. At the community level, raising awareness and implementing safety regulations could be effective in reducing the number of lives lost to accidents every year.

For at least two years, COVID-19 was the second-leading cause of death in the world. While that statistic has changed both globally and in America, it remains a threat for certain populations. Before vaccines were introduced, the disease did not discriminate, affecting people of all age groups. However, certain populations were at greater risk and continue to be so today. According to the CDC, individuals over age 65 remain at greater risk of dying from COVID-19. In fact, people in that age group are 97 times more likely to die from the disease than those between the ages of 18 and 29. Individuals with heart disease, chronic kidney disease, diabetes, and obesity are all at greater risk, too.

Says Dr. Kate Kirley, M.D., M.S., the director of chronic disease prevention at the American Medical Association (AMA), "[i]t's very clear that the pandemic really shook things up. It introduced an entirely new category of cause of death that we didn't have before. And it continues to be in the top 10 causes of death."

Luckily, there are now preventative measures that can dramatically reduce the chances of fatalities linked to COVID-19. Staying up to date on vaccinations is key, as they help protect the body from the virus responsible for the disease. Maintain other good habits, too: Avoid touching your unwashed hands to your eyes, mouth, and nose, and wear a mask in public.

"Stroke is a leading cause of serious, long-term disability and the fifth leading cause of death in the U.S.," according to Dr. Akhila Vijayakumar, a neurologist at Houston Methodist. Each year, strokes affect nearly 800,000 people, interrupting blood flow to the brain and depriving it of the vital oxygen and nutrients that it needs. The majority of these strokes, says Dr. Vijayakumar, are ischemic. When you have a stroke, a clot blocks the brain's blood supply, leading to rapid brain cell death. Some people may develop a hemorrhagic stroke due to bleeding in the brain. This is typically linked to hypertension.

Every moment is critical in treating any type of stroke. "With every minute that passes after a large vessel stroke, about two million neurons die," notes Dr. Vijayakumar. Recognizing the most common signs of stroke, including confusion, difficulty speaking, sudden weakness, and loss of vision, and seeking immediate help can make a significant difference in the outcome. Swift intervention not only increases the chances of survival, but also minimizes the chances of developing a severe disability. Emergency treatments can have a tremendous effect, whether it's a drug to dissolve the clot or a procedure to remove the blockage.

While these treatments can improve survival rates, prevention is truly key to reducing the condition's overall impact. Lifestyle changes like maintaining healthy blood pressure, eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and avoiding smoking can make a significant difference. Adults over 65 are at greater risk, as are women.

Chronic lower respiratory disease (CLRD) is a major health concern and leading cause of death in the country. The term specifically refers to a group of conditions that cause long-term breathing problems, affecting the lungs and airways. Among these are chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis. These conditions are sometimes seen together, with COPD being the most common. Not only do they cause physical distress, but they can significantly impact overall quality of life and make performing daily activities a challenge.

The primary risk factor for developing COPD is smoking. According to the American Lung Association (ALA), some 75% of people with the disease are individuals who have smoked. Tobacco can damage the lungs and airways over time, causing the breathing difficulties linked to COPD. Though smoking is the primary cause, other culprits like exposure to pollution, secondhand smoke, and chemicals can also contribute. Among the most common symptoms of CLRD are chronic coughing, difficulty breathing, wheezing, and overall fatigue.

Dr. Andrew Limper, M.D., head of the Thoracic Diseases Research Unit at Mayo Clinic, says that respiratory diseases "[d]isable or kill tens of millions of people each year. Improving the health of those with these conditions is a priority for the medical community." Avoiding smoke — both first- and secondhand — and steering clear of pollutants may help people prevent CLRD.

Alzheimer's disease affects almost seven million people in America – and it's estimated that some 13 million will be diagnosed by 2050. Soberingly, one in three individuals in the country will die with either Alzheimer's disease or dementia. The rising number can largely be attributed to an increasing older population. In addition to age, genetics, head injuries, and heart ailments could all increase the risk of developing the cognitive disease.

It is devastating for everyone involved, from the patient to the family providing care for their loved one. Alzheimer's disease weakens the brain gradually, causing neurons to deteriorate and impacting memory, language, learning, awareness, personality, and many other characteristics. Neurologist Dr. Verna Porter, M.D., of Providence St. John's Health Center, explains, "Late stages of Alzheimer's show widespread brain atrophy, severely affecting nearly all cognitive and functional areas, including behavior." As the disease progresses, the brain shrinks dramatically, and the patient can no longer care for themselves.

Although factors like age and heredity are uncontrollable, there are some ways to lower the risk of developing dementia. Getting regular exercise, maintaining a healthy blood pressure, managing blood sugar levels, and avoiding drinking and smoking can all go a long way in protecting the brain's long-term health, per the CDC.

Diabetes afflicts over 38 million Americans and claims thousands of lives every year. What's especially jarring about this common disease is that many cases are undiagnosed, which means people already at risk of serious comorbidities may not realize that their diet and lifestyle could be worsening the disease. The disease's most prevalent symptom is high blood sugar, which can cause serious effects if left uncontrolled. It can cause permanent damage to the heart, kidneys, brain, eyes, feet, and mouth, among other parts. Controlling sugar levels with a combination of medication and lifestyle choices is vital.

Endocrinologist Dr. Chelsea Gordner, M.D., of Baystate Endocrinology, says that the disease can cause many complications, "[i]ncluding heart disease, stroke, and limb amputation. Early detection is critical as the longer you have prediabetes, the greater the risk of developing complications. Screenings are relatively simple and if it reveals someone has prediabetes, they can then take steps to prevent the progression to type 2 diabetes."

Eating a balanced diet with minimal fat and sugar intake, exercising regularly, and cutting out smoking can all be effective ways to manage the disease and reduce the risk of serious complications. These lifestyle changes, coupled with prescription medications and regular monitoring, can help keep blood sugar levels in check and prevent potentially life-threatening damage to vital organs.

Chronic kidney disease is a growing health concern in the United States, affecting an estimated 35.5 million adults. Unfortunately, kidney disease is considered a "silent killer" because its symptoms are usually not obvious until it reaches a late stage. In fact, around 90% of people with the disease don't even realize their kidneys are compromised until the condition has progressed significantly.

Diabetes and hypertension are the leading causes of the disease, ultimately leading the kidneys to lose function over time. When this happens, waste and fluid build up in the body and can lead to a host of severe complications, including heart disease, stroke, and ultimately kidney failure. According to the American Kidney Fund, at least 808,000 Americans have kidney failure, with over 557,000 of those on dialysis. This is a life-saving treatment, as it essentially takes the place of the kidneys for patients who have end-stage disease by filtering toxins from the blood.

Taking proactive measures is key to protecting the kidneys. In the earliest stages of the disease, it's possible to make positive changes by limiting intake of sodium and processed foods. There's also evidence that following a plant-based diet can prevent kidney disease from progressing. Getting regular exercise, maintaining a healthy blood sugar, and controlling blood sugar can also help the kidneys in the long term.

Like other "silent" conditions, liver disease affects millions, often without their knowledge. While approximately 4.5 million Americans have a liver disease diagnosis, millions more may have fatty liver disease without realizing it. This quiet progression makes the disease particularly distressing, as symptoms often don't appear until significant damage has already occurred. Left untreated, liver disease can progress to liver failure or even liver cancer.

According to gastroenterologist Dr. Ashwani Sethi, M.D., nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is frequently overlooked during medical exams. "It's known as a silent liver disease because it can happen without causing symptoms (asymptomatic). It's often found in patients during a routine screening for asymptomatic elevated liver enzymes or on abdominal imaging," he explains (via Lee Health). Without this vital awareness, liver disease has run rampant — with more than 51,000 deaths in America attributed to the disease in 2020 alone.

Protecting liver health requires making significant lifestyle changes. Maintaining a healthy weight, reducing or eliminating alcohol entirely, and following a balanced diet are all key to protecting the liver from disease. Regular screenings are equally vital, especially for individuals who have common risk factors like obesity, diabetes, or alcoholism.