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Top 6 Illnesses in the USA

1. The CDC figures show that 702,880 people died from heart disease in 2022. There are many different types of heart disease, and together, they are the leading cause of death in the U.S.

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common form of heart disease. It happens when the blood vessels that carry blood to the heart (called coronary arteries) become narrowed or blocked. CAD can sometimes lead to heart attacks.

The symptoms are different for everyone. Some people may not have any symptoms, while others may experience:

  • pressure, squeezing, burning, or tightness in the chest during physical activity
  • cold sweats
  • dizziness
  • nausea or indigestion
  • neck, shoulder, or arm pain
  • shortness of breath, especially with activity
  • weakness 

2.  In 2022, 608,371 people in the U.S. died from cancer. Cancer happens when abnormal cancer cells start to multiply uncontrollably, becoming tumors.

Cancer can start almost anywhere in the body. Eventually, the cancer cells can metastasize (spread) to other areas of the body and begin to multiply there, too. There are more than a 100 different types of cancer.

The symptoms of cancer vary depending on the type. They might include:

  • lumps or thickening of the skin
  • bladder changes, including trouble urinating or pain or bleeding when urinating
  • bowel changes, such as blood in the stools or changes in bowel habits
  • severe and persistent tiredness
  • problems eating, including pain after eating, trouble swallowing, nausea, and vomiting
  • night sweats or fever
  • skin changes, such as moles, freckles, warts, sores that do not heal, easy bruising, or changes in skin color
  • unexplained weight gain or weight loss

3.  All unintentional injury deaths

  • Number of deaths: 222,698
  • Deaths per 100,000 population: 66.

Source: CDC

Unintentional fall deaths

  • Number of deaths: 47,026
  • Deaths per 100,000 population: 14.0

Source: CDC

Motor vehicle traffic deaths

  • Number of deaths: 43,273
  • Deaths per 100,000 population: 12.9

Source: CDC

Unintentional poisoning deaths

  • Number of deaths: 100,304
  • Deaths per 100,000 population: 29.9

Source: CDC

4. Stroke

CDC figures show that 165,393Trusted Source people died from cerebrovascular disease in 2022. Stroke is the most common type of cerebrovascular disease.

The American Stroke Association describesTrusted Source stroke as a disease that affects the arteries that carry blood to and around the brain. The symptoms come on suddenly and include:

  • numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, usually affecting just one side of the body
  • confusion
  • difficulty speaking or understanding others
  • vision problems
  • dizziness, problems walking, loss of balance, or a lack of coordination
  • a severe headache

There are three main typesTrusted Source of stroke. Two require immediate, emergency medical attention, while the other may resolve without treatment.

Ischemic stroke

An ischemic stroke happens when a clot blocks the vessel that takes blood to the brain. It requires emergency medical attention. A doctor may use drugs to break up the clot.

Hemorrhagic stroke

A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel bursts in the brain. It requires urgent medical attention, usually in the form of an operation. Surgeons can repair the burst vessel with a metal clip.

Transient ischemic attack (TIA)

TIA is when blood flow to the brain is inadequate for a short period. Normal blood flow usually resumes shortly afterward. For many people, the symptoms resolve without treatment. This is sometimes called a ministroke.

5. Chronic lower respiratory disease

A total of 147,382 people died from chronic lower respiratory disease in 2022. Chronic lower respiratory disease refers to a group of conditions that affect the lungs.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

COPD is a progressive lung condition that makes it difficult to breathe. The conditions that make up COPDTrusted Source include emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Smoking is the most common cause of COPD.

The symptoms include a persistent cough, shortness of breath during physical activity, wheezing, and tightness in the chest.

There is no cure for COPD. However, doctors might recommend inhalers that can help with the symptoms, as well as healthful lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, to slow the progression of the disease.

Pulmonary hypertension

Pulmonary hypertension is the term for high blood pressure in the arteries that deliver blood to the lungs. Over time, vessels become hard and narrow, meaning that the heart must work harder to pump the blood through them. Pulmonary hypertension can lead to heart failure.

The common symptoms include:

  • shortness of breath
  • feeling tired
  • fainting
  • dizziness
  • irregular heartbeat
  • swelling

6. 

Alzheimer’s disease is the most commontype of dementia — a neurological condition that causes memory loss and problems with how a person thinks. In 2022, it caused 120,122 deaths in the U.S.

Scientists are not sure what causes Alzheimer’s disease, but it tends to affect older people and get worse over time. The main symptoms include:

  • trouble remembering new information
  • disorientation
  • mood changes
  • personality changes
  • memory loss
  • difficulty communicating

 

Author
Paddy Kalish OD, JD and B.Arch Author and Blogger

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