Paging Dr. Frischer: Top 10 Causes of Death

So many factors play a role in determining how long and how well we live, including our personal health habits, where we live, and our genetic make-up. We have control over some of these, and no control over others.

Still, when we understand what is killing us, we can focus on targeted preventive measures. Just what are the current top ten causes of death in the United States?

Heart disease results in approximately 700,000 deaths each year. It’s most common in men, smokers, diabetics, those with high cholesterol levels, who are overweight, have a family history of heart disease, and are over 55. Lifestyle measures that matter include quitting smoking, limiting alcohol, eating a healthful diet, getting regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight.

Cancer kills over 600,000 people. Each type has a different set of risk factors, but many include older age, use of tobacco and alcohol, exposure to radiation, obesity, and family history. Preventive measures include maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, quitting smoking, drinking in moderation, avoiding excessive sun, and having regular screenings.

COVID-19 led to 415,000 deaths in 2023, but fell to the tenth position by 2024. Those who are unvaccinated are at a much higher risk. In addition to easily available vaccines, preventive measures include limiting contact with people who have any respiratory symptoms, practicing good hygiene (including handwashing) and physical distancing, and using masks in higher risk situations.

Accidents led to 225,000 deaths. The three leading causes of accident-related deaths are falls, auto accidents, and poisoning, and happen most often to men, younger people, and those with risky jobs. Prevention involves avoiding high risk behaviors (including driving under the influence).

Stroke led to 162,000 deaths. A stroke occurs when the blood flow to the brain is cut off, causing cells to die within minutes. Strokes are more common if you are male, a woman using oral contraceptives, have diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or heart disease, or are a smoker. These recommendations will look familiar: Maintain a healthy weight, exercise, and consume a healthful diet. Manage your blood pressure, stop smoking, drink in moderation, manage your blood sugars, and get regular check-ups.

Chronic lung disease led to 142,000 deaths. This includes COPD, emphysema, asthma, and pulmonary hypertension. It is more common in women, those over 65, smokers or those with exposure to secondhand smoke, asthmatics, and the poor. Some obvious preventive measures include not smoking, avoiding smoke exposure, and avoiding environmental factors (including asbestos).

Alzheimer’s disease led to 120,000 deaths. While it is more common if you are female, over 65, and have a family history of Alzheimer’s, preventive lifestyle factors apparently include a healthful diet, treating and monitoring chronic diseases, and keeping both the body and brain active.

Diabetes leads to 100,000 deaths per year. Even though it’s not at the top of this list, the data is shocking: Diabetes affects nearly 12% of the population. The percentage of adults with diabetes increases with age, reaching almost 30% of those 65 or older. Prediabetes is even more common, and only 19% of adults with prediabetes reported being told by a health professional that they had this condition.

Diabetes can lead to both liver and kidney failure. It’s a major risk factor for atherosclerotic heart disease and peripheral vascular disease, chronic ulcers, infections and ultimately amputations, strokes and heart attacks. Smoking, obesity, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and family history of heart disease make outcomes worse. There are so many opportunities to improve outcomes, including not smoking or drinking, controlling diet and body weight, exercising, and dealing effectively with stress.

Chronic liver disease and cirrhosis are caused by viral infections, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and most important: consuming too much alcohol. The ultimate outcome is liver failure, causing 56,000 deaths each year.

Kidney disease and ultimately kidney failure can be caused by diabetes, high blood pressure, glomerulonephritis, polycystic kidney disease, trauma, and medications. Dialysis can prolong life, but a buildup of waste and fluid in the body results in 54,000 deaths each year.

While we can’t prevent every cause of death, we can certainly do a lot to significantly lower our risk factors, especially by controlling smoking, drinking, and weight. I urge you to work with your health professional to determine what you can do to live a longer and healthier life.

Dr. Alan Frischer is former chief of staff and former chief of medicine at Downey Regional Medical Center. Write to him in care of this newspaper at 10927 Downey Ave., Suite C, Downey, CA 90241.