The five Leading Causes of Death in The United States

In this article, we will give you the five leading causes of death in the United States. These causes have been consistent in the last five years. In 2014, there were over 2.6 million deaths, which makes an average 823.7 deaths in every 100,000 people. Life expectancy would in America is around 78.8 years.

 HEART DISEASE

Heart disease consists various conditions, many of which are related to the build-up of plaque in the arterial walls. When the plaque builds up, the arteries become constricted, making it more difficult for the blood to flow. This creates the risk of a heart attack or stroke. It could also lead to arrhythmias, heart failure, and angina.

The signs and symptoms that arise before a heart attack are chest pain and discomfort in the upper body, arms, the neck, the jaw, and upper stomach. You could also experience shortness of breath, nausea, and lightheadedness along with cold sweats.

Unhealthy lifestyle and wrong choice of foods are some of the factors that contribute to heart disease. Currently, heart disease is the leading cause of death in America. In fact, one out of four deaths is a result of heart disease. Surprisingly, heart attack affects more men than women.

 CANCER

Deaths resulting from cancer are estimated to be over 590,000, making 22.5 percent of total deaths. Cancer is the uncontrolled growth and the spread of abnormal cells in the body. Anyone can develop the disease but the risk of getting cancer increases with age. Some people are at a higher risk of getting canceer due to exposure to o carcinogens and genetic factors. The most common form is lung cancer, which causes many deaths in both men and women.

 CHRONIC LOWER RESPIRATORY DISEASE

Estimated deaths of Chronic Lower Respiratory Disease reach over 147,000 a year or 5.6 percent of the total deaths.

It is a collection of lung diseases that cause airflow blockage and breathing-related issues. These include Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary disorder or COPD, bronchitis, and emphysema.

The warning signs of COPD include difficulty in breathing, frequent chest infections, and persistent cough with phlegm. It could be prevented by avoiding smoking cigarettes, second-hand smoke, dust, and air pollution.

 Road ACCIDENTS

Accidents make it to the fourth leading cause of death in the United States. Accidents cause up to 136,000 deaths a year or about 5.2 percent of total deaths.

Accidents are generally referred to as unintentional injuries. They can be prevented by focusing safety by doing things such as fastening seat belts and avoiding drunk driving. T

 CEREBROVASCULAR DISEASES

The 5th leading cause of death is Stroke, generally termed as cerebrovascular diseases. It accounts for the death of up to 133,000 people or 5.1 percent of total deaths in the United States.

Four most common types of cerebrovascular diseases include Stroke, Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA), and Subarachnoid Hemorrhage, Vascular Dementia. Over 795,000 people suffer from stroke every year. The risk of having the disease varies depending on the race, ethnicity, age and geography. Twenty-four percent of people who died from this disease in 2009 were younger than 65. 

The signs and symptoms of stroke include sudden numbness or weakness in the face, leg, arms, or a side of the body. The disease may accompany confusion, trouble in speaking, difficulty in understanding speech, and trouble in one sight or both.

With stroke, every second counts. Fast treatment could reduce the damage on the body. The risk factors include high blood pressure, smoking, and high cholesterol amounts.

To prevent stroke, you need to eat healthily, maintain a healthy weight, and exercise. It also helps to avoid smoking cigarettes and limit alcohol intake. Managing cholesterol levels and controlling your blood pressure could also be helpful. Stroke can also be associated with diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. The older an individual becomes, the higher the risk of suffering from stroke. It is best to consult the doctor and ask prescription for maintenance medicines that could control your blood pressure and cholesterol levels. It is also good to stay hydrated.