Your odds of being murdered in the USA are 1 in 18,989.
Scary, isn’t it.
But wait. In the United States, the average person has a 1 in 6 chance of dying from heart disease and a 1 in 7 chance of dying from cancer.
The Most Common Causes of Death in the US and the World
Death is a natural part of life, but it is still a difficult topic to discuss. However, it is important to be aware of the most common causes of death so that we can take steps to prevent them, when possible.
In this article, we will discuss the most common causes of death in the US and the world.
Most Common Causes of Death in the US
The leading causes of death in the US are:
- Heart disease
- Cancer
- Chronic lower respiratory diseases (such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and emphysema)
- Accidents (unintentional injuries)
- Stroke
Most Common Causes of Death in the World
The leading causes of death in the world are:
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD and emphysema)
- Lower respiratory infections (such as pneumonia)
- Neonatal conditions (problems that occur in newborns)
Table: Leading Causes of Death in the US and the World
| Cause of Death | US | World |
|---|---|---|
| Heart disease | 1 | 1 |
| Cancer | 2 | 2 |
| Chronic lower respiratory diseases | 3 | 4 |
| Accidents (unintentional injuries) | 4 | 5 |
| Stroke | 5 | 3 |
| Lower respiratory infections | – | 6 |
| Neonatal conditions | – | 7 |
| Diabetes | 6 | 8 |
| Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias | 7 | 9 |
Synopsis on Mortality and Lethality in the USA
- The leading causes of death in the US and the world are largely preventable.
- Heart disease, cancer, and chronic lower respiratory diseases are the top three causes of death in both countries.
- Accidents, stroke, and lower respiratory infections are also major causes of death in both countries.
- Neonatal conditions are a leading cause of death in the world, but not in the US.
- Diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, and suicide are also major causes of death in the world, but not in the US.
What You Can Do to Prevent an Untimely and Unnecessary Death
There are many things you can do to prevent death from the leading causes of death. Here are a few tips:
- Eat a healthy diet that is high in fiber, protein, and fresh vegetables.
- Exercise regularly. Reward yourself with a hike out in nature or a swim at the beach.
- Don’t smoke cigarettes.
- Limit alcohol consumption. Avoid operating machinery after use of alcohol or drugs.
- Get regular checkups with the doctor.
- Manage chronic health conditions and take vitamins.
- Get all the info before getting vaccinated.
- Be aware of the risks in your environment and take steps to mitigate them.
By following these tips, you can reduce your risk of death from the leading causes of death.