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Leading Causes of Death in the United States
Understanding the leading causes of death in the United States is crucial for public health planning and intervention. This article synthesizes data from multiple research papers to provide a comprehensive overview of the primary causes of mortality in the U.S. over recent years.
Top Causes of Death: Heart Disease and Cancer
Heart Disease
Heart disease consistently ranks as the leading cause of death in the United States. In 2010, it was responsible for a significant number of deaths, with 91,757 potentially preventable deaths identified . This trend continued in subsequent years, with heart disease remaining the top cause of death in 2013, 2016, and 2017 234.
Cancer
Cancer, or malignant neoplasms, is the second leading cause of death. In 2010, it accounted for 84,443 potentially preventable deaths . This pattern persisted through 2013, 2016, and 2017, where cancer consistently ranked just below heart disease 234.
Other Significant Causes of Death
Chronic Lower Respiratory Diseases
Chronic lower respiratory diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), are another major cause of death. In 2010, these diseases were responsible for 28,831 potentially preventable deaths . They remained a leading cause of death in 2013, 2016, and 2017 234.
Cerebrovascular Diseases (Stroke)
Cerebrovascular diseases, such as stroke, also contribute significantly to mortality rates. In 2010, strokes accounted for 16,973 potentially preventable deaths . This cause of death consistently appeared in the top five in 2013, 2016, and 2017 234.
Unintentional Injuries
Unintentional injuries, including accidents, are a leading cause of death, particularly among younger populations. In 2010, there were 36,836 potentially preventable deaths due to unintentional injuries . This category remained prominent in 2013, 2016, and 2017 234.
Additional Causes of Death
Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer's disease has been a significant cause of death, ranking consistently in the top ten from 2008 through 2017 2345.
Diabetes Mellitus
Diabetes mellitus is another critical cause of death, appearing in the top ten causes from 2008 through 2017 2345.
Influenza and Pneumonia
Influenza and pneumonia have also been notable causes of death, consistently ranking in the top ten from 2008 through 2017 2345.
Nephritis, Nephrotic Syndrome, and Nephrosis
Kidney-related diseases, including nephritis, nephrotic syndrome, and nephrosis, have been significant causes of death, appearing in the top ten from 2008 through 2017 2345.
Intentional Self-Harm (Suicide)
Intentional self-harm, or suicide, has been a persistent cause of death, ranking in the top ten from 2008 through 2017 2345.
Infant Mortality
Leading Causes of Infant Death
The leading causes of infant death have shown some variation but consistently include congenital malformations, disorders related to short gestation and low birth weight, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) 2345.
Conclusion
The leading causes of death in the United States have remained relatively consistent over the years, with heart disease and cancer being the most significant. Chronic lower respiratory diseases, cerebrovascular diseases, and unintentional injuries also contribute substantially to mortality rates. Understanding these patterns is essential for developing targeted public health interventions and prevention strategies.
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