Health statistics in the United States, including the top 15 leading causes of death for 2010, have been released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. There are some familiar common diseases, but some killer illnesses may surprise you.
- Heart Disease – including coronary artery disease, heart attack, abnormal heart rhythms, heart failure, heart valve disease, congenital heart disease, pericardial disease and vascular diseases.
- Cancer – There are more than 100 types of cancer including breast, lung, brain, bone, blood, pancreatic, prostate, colon, liver and skin.
- Chronic Lower Respiratory Disease – Cough, fever, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, wheezing and chest pain are all signs of respiratory disease.
- Stroke/Disease of Brain Blood Vessels – A stroke is brain damage caused by a blocked blood vessel of bleeding in the brain.
- Accidents – Car accidents are noted as the most fatal, but motorcycle, construction and biking accidents also can be deadly.
- Alzheimer’s disease – Alzheimer’s is the most common type of dementia for patients older than age 60.
- Diabetes – Diabetes occurs when the body cannot regulate blood sugars.
- Kidney Disease – There are many forms of kidney disease, which is caused by waste buildup.
- Flu and Pneumonia – Having a flu shot each year can prevent the spread of this deadly disease, which often causes dangerous pneumonia.
- Suicide – If you or a loved one is considering suicide, call 1-800-273-8255 for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
- Septicemia (blood infection) – bacteria in the blood that occurs after severe infections.
- Chronic Liver Disease and Cirrhosis – scarring of the liver and poor liver function due to malnutrition and often, alcoholism.
- High Blood Pressure – This ailment affects 1 in 4 American adults.
- Parkinson’s Disease – Brain disorder that leads to tremors that can make it hard to walk; and
- Pneumonitis – this can occur when your lungs inflame after breathing in harmful chemicals or substances.
