Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention was analyzed to determine the top five causes of death in Washington. This data was gathered in 2022.
According to the analysis, the most prevalent cause of death in Washington is cancer, with a total of 13,432 fatalities
The second most prevalent cause in Washington is heart disease, with a total of 13,218 fatalities. The Mayo Clinic describes early warnings of heart disease as chest pain, shortness of breath, and fainting.
In third place is Alzheimer’s, resulting in 3,695 deaths. The disease typically affects older adults, but in rare cases, early-onset Alzheimer’s can occur between the ages of 30 and 65. The main symptoms include memory loss, language difficulties, and unpredictable behavior.
Stroke is the fourth most common cause of death in Washington, with 3,339 deaths reported in this study. There are three forms of stroke: ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, and transient ischemic attack (TIA), each with different causes. Factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, aging, and even pregnancy can lead to strokes.
Coming in fifth most common cause of death is chronic lower respiratory disease (CRD), with 2,925 fatalities reported. The World Health Organization describes CRDs as incurable diseases that affect the airways and other structures of the lungs. Common forms include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, and pulmonary hypertension. Contributing factors to developing respiratory diseases include tobacco smoke, air pollution, and chemical exposure.
Holly Cook, VP of Marketing at U.S. Career Institute (https://www.uscareerinstitute.edu/), which funded the study, commented on the findings:
“Illnesses such as heart disease, stroke, and cancer can be unpredictable and not always the result of poor lifestyle choices, but there are many ways to reduce your risk of developing a life-threatening illness. Smoking is a main cause of multiple types of cancer and strokes. Quitting smoking will significantly improve your health. For those with respiratory diseases, first- and second-hand smoke can trigger asthma attacks and cause difficulty breathing.”
Following a healthy lifestyle, which includes a healthy diet, adequate exercise, no smoking, limiting alcohol and having close social connections, are recommended.
