Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the US, with a staggering 941,652 Americans dying from cardiovascular disease in 2022. Despite this alarming statistic, there is hope for prevention and mitigation through lifestyle changes and medical interventions.
The No. 1 Cause of Death in the U.S.: A Sobering Reminder
Heart disease remains the biggest killer of most Americans, according to a new report from the American Heart Association published in the journal Circulation. In 2022, ‘941,652 Americans died from cardiovascular disease,’ a steep increase from the ‘931,500 people who died from heart disease just one year prior.’
Heart disease, also known as cardiovascular disease, is a leading cause of death worldwide.
It occurs when the heart's ability to pump blood is impaired due to blockages in the coronary arteries or damage to the heart muscle itself.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 17.9 million people die from heart disease each year, accounting for approximately 31% of all deaths globally.
Factors contributing to heart disease include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, and a sedentary lifestyle.
The Devastating Statistics
When you break down these numbers, it’s clear that heart disease is taking an alarming toll on American lives. Heart disease kills a person every 34 seconds, nearly ‘2,500 people die from cardiovascular disease every single day.’ These statistics are both startling and devastating, but there is some good news: for many people, heart disease is preventable.
The Most Common Risk Factors
The most common risk factors for heart disease include:
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Age (the older you are, the higher your risk)
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Autoimmune diseases or conditions
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‘Diabetes diagnosis’ (both type 1 and type 2 diabetes raise your risk)
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Drinking alcohol
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Genetics (heart disease can run in families, even if you’re otherwise healthy)
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Obesity
- Sedentary lifestyle
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Smoking, which cardiologists say is the worst habit for heart health
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Stress
People assigned female at birth may be at a somewhat higher risk of heart disease than those assigned male at birth due to ‘estrogen levels’ and potential pregnancy complications.
Heart disease is a leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for over 17 million deaths annually.
Several risk factors contribute to the development of heart disease.
These include high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, smoking, obesity, physical inactivity, diabetes, and family history.
Age also plays a significant role, with the risk increasing after the age of 45 for men and 55 for women.
Additionally, certain medical conditions such as kidney disease, sleep apnea, and thyroid disorders can also increase heart disease risk.
Lowering Your Risk
While we can’t change our age or DNA, there are tangible steps you can take to improve your heart health:
- Quitting smoking and vaping
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Quitting drinking (or at least cutting back)
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Exercising regularly
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Eating a healthy diet (cardiologists love the Mediterranean and DASH diets)
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Monitoring and managing your blood pressure
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Taking necessary medications as directed by your doctor
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Managing your weight (with a doctor’s help and medications if prescribed)
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Managing your diabetes with a doctor’s guidance
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Getting at least seven hours of sleep each night
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Managing stress
Other Leading Causes of Death in the U.S.
Here are the top 10 causes of death in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
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Heart disease: ‘941,652‘
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Cancer: ‘608,371‘
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Accidents (unintentional injuries): ‘227,039‘
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COVID-19: ‘186,552‘
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Stroke (cerebrovascular diseases): ‘165,393‘
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Chronic lower respiratory diseases: ‘147,382‘
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Alzheimer’s disease: ‘120,122‘
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Diabetes: ‘101,209‘
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Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and nephrosis (kidney disease and failure): ‘57,937‘
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Chronic liver disease and cirrhosis: ‘54,803‘
While not all of these conditions are preventable, there are actions you can take to mitigate your risk, such as getting vaccinated against COVID-19, abstaining from alcohol and tobacco, eating a healthy diet, and engaging in regular exercise.
Regular physical activity, such as walking or jogging, can lower blood pressure and improve cardiovascular function.
A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains provides essential nutrients for heart health.
Stress management techniques like meditation and deep breathing exercises also play a crucial role in reducing stress levels.
Smoking cessation and limiting alcohol consumption are also vital for maintaining optimal heart health.
