In the United States, the top three causes of death in 2022 were heart disease, cancer, and accidents. COVID-19 and stroke round out the country’s top five causes of death that year.
The most recent mortality figures available in 2024 are for deaths in 2022.
In 2022, there were
This article focuses on the ten leading causes of health-related deaths in 2022 in the U.S. It also discusses the leading causes of death worldwide in 2021.
According to the
| Cause of death | Total number of deaths | Percentage of total deaths |
| 1. Heart disease | 702,880 | |
| 2. Cancer | 608,371 | 18.5% |
| 3. Accidents (unintentional injuries) | 227,039 | 6.9% |
| 4. COVID-19 | 186,552 | 5.7% |
| 5. Stroke (cerebrovascular diseases) | 165,393 | 5% |
| 6. Chronic lower respiratory diseases | 147,382 | 4.5% |
| 7. Alzheimer’s disease | 120,122 | 3.7% |
| 8. Diabetes | 101,209 | 3.1% |
| 9. Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome, and nephrosis (kidney disease) | 57,937 | 1.8% |
| 10. Chronic liver disease and cirrhosis | 54,803 | 1.7% |
1. Heart disease
- Deaths in 2022: 702,880
- Percentage of total deaths: 21.4%
The leading cause of death in 2022 was heart disease, which includes several conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels. Many conditions are related to atherosclerosis, which occurs due to plaque buildup in the artery walls.
Plaque buildup causes arteries to narrow and stiffen, impeding blood flow. This may lead to blood clots, stroke, or heart attack. It can also cause angina, heart arrhythmias, and heart failure.
Prevention includes exercising regularly, eating a nutritious diet, and maintaining a moderate weight.
2. Cancer
- Deaths in 2022: 608,371
- Percentage of total deaths: 18.5%
Cancer is a condition that occurs when atypical or old cells in the body do not die, causing them to continue producing new cells. This leads to an overproduction of cells, which can
Causes of cancer include genes, lifestyle habits, and environmental toxins. Often, the cause is unknown.
Exercising regularly, following a nutritious diet, and avoiding extended sun exposure may help prevent cancer. Other preventive measures include limiting alcohol intake and quitting smoking.
3. Accidents or unintentional injuries
- Deaths in 2022: 227,039
- Percentage of total deaths: 6.9%
Accidents or unintentional injuries are the fourth most common cause of death.
The most common types of accidents are:
- unintentional falls
- motor vehicle traffic deaths
- unintentional poisoning deaths
Communities can implement and improve strategies and projects related to walkable communities, safe routes to school, and transportation safety to prevent death from accidents and unintentional injuries.
4. COVID-19
- Deaths in 2022: 186,552
- Percentage of total deaths: 5.7%
The SARS-CoV-2 causes COVID-19, a contagious disease that may affect the lungs, respiratory system, and other areas of the body.
COVID-19 can cause mild-to-severe symptoms or no symptoms at all. Older adults and people with certain underlying medical conditions are more likely to become severely ill from the disease. It is also possible to develop long COVID.
Helping prevent COVID-19 involves getting vaccinated, wearing a mask, and washing hands often. People can also avoid crowded places, indoor spaces, and close contact with other individuals.
5. Stroke (cerebrovascular diseases)
- Deaths in 2022: 165,393
- Percentage of total deaths: 5%
Stroke is a type of cerebrovascular disease that causes the arteries that supply blood to the brain to burst, rupture, or form a blockage due to a clot. This prevents the brain from receiving the necessary blood and oxygen, leading to the death of brain cells.
Following a healthy lifestyle helps
6. Chronic lower respiratory diseases
- Deaths in 2022: 147,382
- Percentage of total deaths: 4.5%
Chronic lower respiratory diseases affect lung function, which can impede airflow and lead to shortness of breath, a chronic cough, and excessive sputum production.
People may be able to prevent chronic lower respiratory diseases by quitting smoking, limiting exposure to allergens and pollution, and eating a nutritious diet.
7. Alzheimer’s disease
- Deaths in 2022: 120,122
- Percentage of total deaths: 3.7%
Dementia is a general term for the decline of memory, language, problem-solving, and additional cognitive capabilities that become severe enough to affect daily life.
The most common type of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease, a condition that affects memory, thinking, and behavior. It is a progressive disease that worsens over several years, starting with mild memory loss.
To help prevent Alzheimer’s disease, individuals can get plenty of exercise, eat a nutritious diet, and improve their heart health. They can also engage in brain-stimulating activities, maintain strong social relationships, and get sufficient quality sleep.
Learn more about preventing Alzheimer’s disease.
8. Diabetes
- Deaths in 2022: 101,209
- Percentage of total deaths: 3.1%
Diabetes occurs when the body cannot produce or effectively use insulin, a hormone that helps control blood sugar levels.
People with type 1 diabetes require daily insulin injections because they do not make insulin. Currently, there is no way to prevent type 1 diabetes.
Individuals with type 2 diabetes cannot use insulin effectively and often require medications to manage blood glucose levels. Prevention and treatment involve eating a suitable diet and getting more exercise.
9. Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome, and nephrosis (kidney disease)
- Deaths in 2022: 57,937
- Percentage of total deaths: 1.8%
Chronic kidney disease includes conditions such as nephritis, nephrotic syndrome, and nephrosis. These conditions harm the kidneys, which results in reduced function and waste buildup. It can cause complications such as high blood pressure, anemia, and reduced bone strength.
Preventing these conditions includes maintaining a moderate weight and blood pressure, exercising, and eating a low sodium diet. People should also avoid smoking and drinking alcohol.
10. Chronic liver disease and cirrhosis
- Deaths in 2022: 54,803
- Percentage of total deaths: 1.7%
Chronic liver disease (CLD) is a progressive condition that can lead to cirrhosis, the final stage of liver disease. CLD may occur due to continuous damage to the liver through alcohol misuse, autoimmune diseases, exposure to toxins, and genetic conditions.
In many cases, CLD and cirrhosis are preventable, and limiting alcohol use is key. Making healthy food choices and being physically active can also help.
In 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) listed the following leading causes of death worldwide in 2021:
- ischemic heart disease
- COVID-19
- stroke
- COPD
- lower respiratory infections
- neonatal conditions
- tracheas, bronchus, and lung cancers
- Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias
- diarrheal diseases
- diabetes mellitus
- kidney diseases
The top 10 causes of death worldwide in 2021 accounted for
The 10 leading causes of death in the U.S accounted for around 72% of the total deaths. In the top three positions were heart disease, cancer, and accidents. COVID-19 moved from third to fourth position.
Worldwide, in 2021, the top three leading causes of death were heart disease, COVID-19, and stroke. More recent data was not available in 2024.
Many causes of death are preventable with healthy lifestyle choices. Some common preventive measures include exercising regularly, eating a nutritious diet, getting plenty of quality sleep, and avoiding toxins such as alcohol and tobacco.
