The leading causes of death in the US are heart disease, cancer, and unintentional injuries, which have remained the top three for many years. Other major causes include stroke, chronic lower respiratory diseases, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, kidney disease, chronic liver disease, and suicide.

Origins of the Heart Disease Epidemic

Heart disease has consistently been the leading cause of death in the U.S. for many years. Researchers attribute the initial increase in heart disease and stroke to major shifts in American lifestyles that occurred after World War II. The postwar period brought economic prosperity, which led to more sedentary lifestyles and diets higher in fat. Cigarette smoking also became widespread, largely due to the practice of distributing cigarettes to soldiers during the war.

Immigrants to the U.S. also experience increase incidence of diseases such as heart disease, stroke and hypertension (high blood pressure). This is largely due to dietary and lifestyle changes in a new culture as well as well as barriers to insurance and healthcare.