Deep down, all of us occasionally wonder how we will die. Few can be certain about what will end their days, but the numbers show that some types of events and illnesses are more likely to lead to death than others.
Recently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released its latest annual ranking of the leading causes of death in the U.S. The numbers are based on final 2023 mortality data on deaths and death rates by demographic and medical characteristics, according to the CDC.
First, a little good news: In 2023, life expectancy at birth was 78.4 years for the total U.S. population — an increase of 0.9 year from 77.5 in 2022. Life expectancy at birth now stands at 81.1 for females and 75.8 for males.
Life expectancy at age 65 is 20.7 years for females (up from 20.2 in 2022). For males, it’s 18.2 years (up from 17.5 years in 2022).
Meanwhile, the death rate decreased by 6%.
Here are the leading causes of death in America today.
10. COVID-19
Death rate for this cause in 2023: 11.9 deaths per 100,000 people — a 73.3% decrease from 2022
Death rate for this cause in 2022: 44.5 deaths per 100,000 people
COVID-19 is an illness that results from infection with the virus called severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Beginning in late 2019, COVID-19 spread rapidly as part of a worldwide pandemic that has killed millions.
9. Chronic liver disease and cirrhosis
Death rate for this cause in 2023: 13 deaths per 100,000 people — a 5.8% decrease from 2022
Death rate for this cause in 2022: 13.8 deaths per 100,000 people
Cirrhosis is a chronic liver disease in which scar tissue replaces healthy tissue in the liver. When this happens, the liver stops functioning normally.
Chronic alcohol abuse, hepatitis and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease can all lead to cirrhosis.
8. Kidney disease
Death rate for this cause in 2023: 13.1 deaths per 100,000 people — a 5.1% decrease from 2022
Death rate for this cause in 2022: 13.8 deaths per 100,000 people
The kidneys filter extra water and wastes out of the blood and make urine. Kidney disease occurs when the kidneys suffer damage and cannot filter blood properly.
People with diabetes and high blood pressure are at a higher risk for kidney disease.
7. Diabetes
Death rate for this cause in 2023: 22.4 deaths per 100,000 people — a 7.1% decrease from 2022
Death rate for this cause in 2022: 24.1 deaths per 100,000 people
Diabetes strikes when your blood glucose levels become too high. When you have this illness, your body doesn’t make enough insulin or fails to use insulin properly. This prevents glucose from moving out of the blood and into your cells.
There are multiple types of diabetes. The most common form — Type 2 diabetes — is often closely associated with obesity.
6. Alzheimer’s disease
Death rate for this cause in 2023: 27.7 deaths per 100,000 people — a 4.2% decrease from 2022
Death rate for this cause in 2022: 28.9 deaths per 100,000 people
Alzheimer’s disease is the leading cause of dementia. As proteins known as amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles build up in the brain, cells die and the brain begins to shrink.
There is no cure for the condition, which overwhelmingly impacts those who are 75 or older. However, there are steps you can take to lower the risk, as we detail in articles like:
- 3 Vaccines That May Lower Alzheimer’s Disease Risk
- 10 Foods That Researchers Have Linked to a Lower Risk of Dementia
5. Chronic lower respiratory diseases
Death rate for this cause in 2023: 33.4 deaths per 100,000 people — a 2.6% decrease from 2022
Death rate for this cause in 2022: 34.3 deaths per 100,000 people
Chronic lower respiratory diseases impact a person’s lungs and airways. The most common are:
- Asthma
- Chronic bronchitis
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary
- Emphysema
Cigarette smoking is by far the leading cause of chronic lower respiratory disease.
4. Stroke
Death rate for this cause in 2023: 39 deaths per 100,000 people — a 1.3% decrease from 2022
Death rate for this cause in 2022: 39.5 deaths per 100,000 people
A stroke often occurs when a clot blocks a blood vessel that brings oxygen and nutrients to the brain. Another cause of stroke is a ruptured vessel.
The lack of blood and oxygen can cause brain cells to die. About 80% of strokes are preventable, according to the American Stroke Association. Eating well, exercising regularly and avoiding smoking can all reduce your risk of stroke.
3. Unintentional injuries
Death rate for this cause in 2023: 62.3 deaths per 100,000 people — a 2.7% decrease from 2022
Death rate for this cause in 2022: 64 deaths per 100,000 people
Any manner of unintentional injury can be serious enough to lead to a person’s death. Some of the top injuries that result in fatalities are:
- Vehicle crashes
- Poisoning
- Falls
2. Cancer
Death rate for this cause in 2023: 141.8 deaths per 100,000 people — the CDC says the rate “did not change significantly” from 2022 to 2023
Death rate for this cause in 2022: 142.3 deaths per 100,000 people
Cancer is the result of normal cells mutating into cancerous cells which multiply and spread rapidly.
There are many different types of cancer — more than 100 — and they are caused by a variety of factors. Smoking, toxins in the environment and exposure to radiation are just a few of the things that cause cancer.
So is diet, as we detail in “8 Common Foods That May Increase Your Risk of Cancer.”
1. Heart disease
Death rate for this cause in 2023: 162.1 deaths per 100,000 people — a 3.1% decrease
Death rate for this cause in 2022: 167.2 deaths per 100,000 people
A range of conditions that affect the heart all fall under the heading of heart disease. These include coronary artery disease, irregular heartbeats known as “arrhythmias” and congenital heart defects that impact people from birth.
The right lifestyle choices — eating a good diet and exercising regularly — can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease.
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