Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death in both men and women in the United States primarily due to high prevalence and persistence of major risk factors such as high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, physical inactivity, unhealthy diet, tobacco use, and harmful alcohol consumption. These risk factors contribute to heart conditions like coronary artery disease, heart attack, stroke, heart failure, and arrhythmias that can cause fatal events. Despite advances in treatment and prevention, these risk factors remain widespread and are increasing in prevalence, resulting in continued high rates of cardiovascular deaths.
Key Reasons for CVD as Leading Cause of Death:
- There is an ongoing increase in high blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes rates, all major contributors to heart disease and stroke.
- The majority of cardiovascular deaths in the US result from coronary artery disease, where plaque builds up in arteries blocking blood flow to the heart or brain, causing heart attacks and strokes.
- Risk factors like unhealthy lifestyle behaviors (poor diet, inactivity, smoking) affect both men and women significantly.
- Heart disease affects many adults, including a growing older population who accumulate more chronic heart conditions over time.
- Women may have additional risks post-menopause due to hormonal changes increasing coronary artery disease risk.
- Cardiovascular diseases kill more people than all cancers and accidents combined in the US.
- Awareness of heart disease risks, especially among women, is still insufficient, limiting early intervention and prevention efforts.
Overall, the high and increasing prevalence of multiple interrelated risk factors, combined with an aging population and lifestyle factors, explains why cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of death in men and women in the United States.
