Top 10 Leading Causes of Death in the USA (Updated)

The death toll has significantly risen worldwide for the past two decades. Although the birth rate still exceeds the death rate. The relative percentage has faced a sharp increase. Even though the world has had a fair share of deaths, the country faces a counter-strike, particularly in the USA. Due to this, we share with you our compiled list of the Top 10 Leading Causes of Death in the USA.

The USA has faced an outbreak of deaths. Several reasons could add to the cause of the increase. But, the main reasons remain the same. In this article, we gathered below the top 10 leading causes of death in the United States of America to increase awareness and expand your knowledge based on our team’s research.

TOP 10: Heart Diseases

One of the top 10 leading causes of death in the USA is heart disease, which is 10th place on our list. According to reports, it is found that heart disease is one of the real causes of death in both genders. However, men are mostly the ones detected with it. Due to extra intake of cholesterol, saturated fats, obesity, and tension, plaque in the arteries of the heart may develop.

In other words, the arteries may choke due to plaque buildup. Also, the arteries constricting the blood flow are subsequently restricted, leading to heart attack or stroke. Several other problems, such as angina, heart failure, and arrhythmias, can also arise.

It is estimated that around 647,457 deaths were reported in 2017, making it 23.5% of the total deaths worldwide. Besides how destructive these diseases are, you can protect yourself by lowering your fat and cholesterol intake. Controlling tension can also prevent it. A healthy diet and regular exercise are other preventive measures too.

TOP 9: Cancer

A tiny mutated cell is a destruction cell as it passes its mutating power to a group of cells that causes tumors. In simple words, most mutated cells die, but if they do not, they cause cancer. However, our immune system is weak enough to control cancer’s spread. The risk of cancer patients increases with age. The risk also fluctuates with different carcinogens. Another factor that increases the risk of any individual is their genes.

To top it all, gender also plays a role in developing a certain person’s cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, around 142,670 lives were taken by lung and bronchus cancer in males and females. Also, 31,620 males died from prostate cancer, whereas 41,760 females died from breast cancer.

TOP 8: Unintentional Injuries

Accidents and other incidences account for almost 169,963 lives. We can say that this makes up 6% of total deaths worldwide. These all include accidents by rush driving and high-speed driving on highways, and roads, among others. One car can prevent this by driving slowly in full consciousness and not using mobile phones while driving or engaging in any activities. Focusing on work, preventing drugs, and using seatbelts can also prevent these.

TOP 7: Chronic Lower Respiratory Disease

Almost 160,201 deaths and respiratory diseases have taken over the list. When airflow is blocked by some condition that develops in the lungs, it causes this disease. The diseases include asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, and many more. Smoking is essentially one of the main causes that increase the risk of developing these.

TOP 6: Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases

These diseases are established when the brain’s arteries supplying blood and nutrients get blocked. The most common diseases in this range are subarachnoid hemorrhage, transient ischemic attack, stroke, and vascular dementia. Around 795,000 people in the USA face these diseases every year.

TOP 5: Alzheimer’s Disease

Dementia is a condition that causes reduced cognitive function, which seriously affects a person’s ability to work. Our damaged nerve cell causes neuron death, which alters brain activity power. Alzheimer’s disease is one type of dementia. In it, neurons alter, leading to slow brain processing and causing difficulty in everyday actions such as walking, moving, swirling, and eating.

The end-stage of Alzheimer’s causes severe bed rest. Later on, an eventual death followed. According to statistics, 5.8 million people are detected with this disease.

TOP 4: Diabetes

Everyone is so familiar with this disease. This is because, wherever we look, around 2/4 of people are always diabetic. All around the world, the number of diabetic patients is swiftly increasing. But, the largest increase and steep incline are seen in the United States, with 55,672 deaths. Diabetes is a disease in which glucose regulation is not controlled. This leads to a high level of it known as hyperglycemia. Prolonged hyperglycemia causes damage to other important parts of the body.

The glucose in the body is used to release energy. However, increased glucose stimulates the pancreas to produce a hormone called insulin. Currently, there are two types of diabetes – 1 and 2. People with Type I Diabetes have no insulin. People with Type II Diabetes have insulin, but the body cells cannot recognize it, so it’s useless. Regular exercise and a controlled lifestyle will help people with diabetes. Various problems like kidney failure, heart disease, and many others are associated with this disease.

TOP 3: Influenza and Pneumonia

Flu, commonly known as influenza, is highly contagious. It rapidly spreads to nearby breathing bodies. Its occurrence is most likely in cold conditions, winter specifically. There are type A risks for adults, while type B is for children. Type C is scarce. However, pneumonia is the inflammation of the lungs. In other words, it leads to air sacs in the lungs filling with pus. This makes it difficult to transport oxygen. Less oxygen can cause the death of an individual.

TOP 2: Kidney Disease

Accounting for taking 50,633 deaths in the United States of America, kidney diseases are one of the worst. They include diseases like nephritis, nephrotic syndrome, and nephrosis. These diseases damage the body as the kidney loses its ability to filter blood and regulate its concentration. This leads to waste that remains in the body and further develops into more toxic substances.

Kidney Diseases have caused a steeper incline due to a clean water shortage, which is one of the main causes of it. This disease is at the 2nd spot in our list of the top 10 leading causes of death in the USA.

TOP 1: Suicide

Mental health is extremely essential for every person. Otherwise, it might urge any of them to take irreversible actions such as suicide. At the moment, the rate at which the risk of people thinking about suicide is alarming. The cause of suicide nowadays includes depression and anxiety. Due to this, we should counsel the person on the edge of it or force him to see a physician or psychiatrist.

Besides looking after them, we should ask them to share and spill out all their thoughts and reconsider a second chance at life. Almost 47,173 suicide deaths have already been reported. Suicide is first in our list of the top 10 leading causes of death in the USA.

What are the Leading Causes of Death in the USA?

Of all the diseases penned above, some are curable. But, the others can be prevented with a good diet, persistent exercise, and excellent mental health. Not only will they expand the tenure of life, but this will make it worth a while.

For your quick reference, here are the Top 10 Leading Causes of Death in the USA:

1. Suicide
2. Kidney Disease
3. Influenza and Pneumonia
4. Diabetes
5. Alzheimer’s Disease
6.  Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases
7. Chronic Lower Respiratory Disease
8. Unintentional Injuries
9. Cancer
10. Heart Diseases

Also, if you haven’t checked out yet, make sure to take a look at our list of the Top 10 Leading Causes of Death in the World, and the Top 10 Leading Causes of Death in Asia, too. Cheers to a much healthier lifestyle!

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