Heart Disease: The Leading Cause of Death in the US

Chronic Disease & Prevention

February is American Heart Month. Learn more about cardiovascular disease and other chronic diseases below:

• Cardiovascular Disease: The number of cardiovascular disease deaths in the United States, including from heart disease and stroke, surpasses all cancers and accidental deaths combined.
  

• Alzheimer's and Other Dementias: By 2060, 1 million new dementia cases are expected each year. The economic burden of Alzheimer’s and other dementias is projected to reach nearly $1 trillion by 2050 (in 2024 dollars). Research into these conditions has been hindered by numerous obstacles and no cure or treatment has been found.

• Diabetes: Type 2 Diabetes (T2DM) makes up 90% to 95% of diabetes cases. Its prevalence has risen 20% in the past decade, particularly affecting older adults, low-income populations, Black Americans, and those in the South and Midwest. In 2022, care for people with diabetes accounted for 1 in 4 US health care dollars, with 61% of the spending attributable to diabetes.

• Chronic Disease Prevention: Chronic diseases are the top causes of illness, death, and disability in the US, yet many are preventable. Key risk factors include physical inactivity, poor diet, tobacco use, and excessive alcohol use. Prevention involves addressing these risk factors, undergoing routine primary care visits and screenings, knowing family health history, and addressing the social determinants of health.