Leading cause of death in women
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Consensus Meter
Leading Cause of Death in Women: A Comprehensive Overview
Cardiovascular Disease: The Primary Culprit
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of death among women in the United States, accounting for approximately one in every three female deaths . Despite significant advancements in awareness and treatment, CVD continues to be under-recognized and underdiagnosed in women. This disparity is partly due to sex-specific differences in the presentation and progression of cardiovascular conditions, such as myocardial infarction associated with nonobstructive coronary arteries and spontaneous coronary artery dissection, which are more prevalent in women .
Efforts to reduce the global burden of CVD in women have been ongoing, with recommendations from international experts aiming to address these disparities by 2030. However, challenges remain, particularly in translating sex-specific data into clinical practice and ensuring equitable access to care .
Cancer: A Significant Threat
Cancer is another major cause of death among women, particularly affecting those under 80 years of age. In 2013, cancer deaths among women were slightly lower than heart disease deaths, with 276,716 cancer deaths compared to 289,467 heart disease deaths. However, cancer mortality rates are higher than those for heart disease among younger women and certain racial and ethnic groups, including Hispanics, Asians and Pacific Islanders, and American Indians and Alaska Natives.
Breast cancer, cervical cancer, and other noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are significant contributors to female mortality, particularly in women of reproductive age. The need for accurate cause-of-death data and targeted health interventions is critical to address these health threats effectively.
Autoimmune Diseases: An Overlooked Cause
Autoimmune diseases are a leading cause of death among young and middle-aged women in the United States, often exceeding the mortality rates of other leading causes in women under 65 years of age. This fact is frequently obscured by current methods used to identify leading causes of death, highlighting the need for better recognition and reporting of autoimmune-related mortality.
Dementia: A Growing Concern
In England, dementia has surpassed heart disease as the leading cause of death among women, reflecting a shift in the health landscape as populations age. This trend underscores the importance of addressing cognitive health and providing adequate care and support for aging women.
Maternal Mortality: Drug-Related Deaths and Suicide
Maternal mortality remains a critical issue, with drug-related deaths and suicide emerging as leading causes of post-partum death in California. These deaths highlight the need for increased clinical attention and preventive measures, particularly for vulnerable populations such as non-Hispanic White women and Medicaid-insured women.
Conclusion
Cardiovascular disease continues to be the leading cause of death among women, followed closely by cancer, particularly in younger age groups and certain racial and ethnic populations. Autoimmune diseases and dementia also represent significant health threats, while maternal mortality due to drug-related deaths and suicide requires urgent attention. Addressing these diverse health challenges necessitates targeted interventions, improved data collection, and equitable access to healthcare for all women.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic