Diseases Causing Most Deaths in the U.S. + How To Prevent Them

Life Expectancy statistics are calculated the same way everywhere in the world, but what we die from can be very different depending upon where we live. 

Below we share a list of diseases causing the most deaths in the U.S. with a description and prevention info for each. Note that many of the prevention tips are the same for multiple of the diseases.

Do you or any of your relatives have diagnosis of or genetics for any of these? It’s a good idea to create a Health Tree like a Family Tree. We share more about them and how to create one HERE.

1) HEART DISEASE – aka Cardiovascular disease, generally refers to conditions that involve narrowed or blocked blood vessels that can lead to a heart attack, chest pain (angina) or stroke. Other heart conditions, such as those that affect your heart’s muscle, valves or rhythm, also are considered forms of heart disease.

Heart Disease Prevention: Control your blood pressure. Keep your cholesterol and triglyceride levels under control. Stay at a healthy weight. Eat a healthy diet. Get regular exercise. Limit alcohol. Don’t smoke or use tobacco. Manage stress. Manage diabetes. Get enough sleep.

2) CANCER – the name given to a collection of related diseases. Many cancers form solid tumors, which are masses of tissue. Cancers of the blood, such as leukemias, generally do not form solid tumors. Cancerous tumors are malignant, which means they can spread into, or invade, nearby tissues.

Cancer Prevention: Don’t smoke or use tobacco. Eat a healthy diet. Maintain a healthy weight and be physically active. Protect yourself from the sun. Get vaccinated. Avoid risky behaviors. Get regular medical care.

3) CHRONIC LOWER RESPIRATORY DISEASES – a group of diseases that affects the lungs. Chronic obstructed pulmonary disease, asthma, emphysema, chronic bronchitis and other respiratory illnesses are all grouped together under this disease.

Chronic Lower Respiratory Prevention: Don’t smoke, use tobacco, or spend time in tobacco smoke. Avoid indoor and outdoor air pollutants.  Washing hands regularly to prevent respiratory infections like colds and flu. Spirometry tests measure pulmonary—or lung—function and detect COPD in anyone with breathing problems.

4) STROKE  – a disease that affects the arteries leading to and within the brain. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts/ruptures.

Stroke Prevention: Lower blood pressure. Lose weight. Exercise more. Only drink in moderation. Treat atrial fibrillation. Treat and keep diabetes under control.Don’t use tobacco.

5) ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE – progressive mental deterioration that can occur in middle or old age, due to generalized degeneration of the brain. Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia, a general term for memory loss and other cognitive abilities serious enough to interfere with daily life. It accounts for 60 percent to 80 percent of dementia cases and is the most common cause of premature senility.

Alzheimer’s Prevention: Get regular exercise. Eat a healthy diet. Eat lots of Omega 3 Fats. Spend time on regular social engagement. Get regular mental stimulation. Enjoy quality sleep. Mange stress.

6) DIABETES – a disease in which the body’s ability to produce or respond to the hormone insulin is impaired, resulting in abnormal metabolism of carbohydrates and elevated levels of glucose in the blood and urine.

Diabetes Prevention: Limit sugars and refined carbs. Minimize intake of processed foods. Get plenty of fiber. Work out regularly. Don’t smoke or use tobacco. Drink water as your primary beverage (to avoid calorie and carb add-ons from other drinks) and drink lots of it. Lose extra weight. Watch snack and meal portion sizes. Avoid sedentary behaviors. Optimize vitamin D levels.

7) INFLUENZA & PNEUMONIA – a highly contagious viral infection that is one of the most severe illnesses of the winter season. Influenza is spread easily from person to person, usually when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Pneumonia is a serious infection or inflammation of the lungs.

Influenza & Pneumonia Prevention: Get vaccinated. Wash your hands. Don’t smoke or use tobacco. Be aware of your general health to pickup on weird lingering symptoms. Exercise basic immune boosting habits. Maintain healthy sleep habits.

8) NEPHRITIS, NEUROTIC SYNDROME AND NEPHROSIS – any of various forms of kidney disease (nephropathy). Nephrosis is characterized by a set of signs called the nephrotic syndrome. Nephrosis can be a primary disorder or can be secondary to another disorder. Nephrotic complications of another disorder can coexist with nephritic complications.

Nephritis, Nephrotic Syndrome, & Nephrosis Prevention: Get regular kidney check-ups. Monitor and control blood pressure. Nephrotic syndrome cannot be prevented, but treating an underlying kidney disease and making dietary changes may prevent worsening of symptoms. Treatment options may include blood pressure medication, diuretics, blood thinners, cholesterol-reducing medication, or a steroid if kidney disease causes inflammation. The only way to prevent nephrotic syndrome is to control the disease that caused it.