### Top Causes of Death in the United States According to the CDC, the top three causes of death in the United States are heart disease, cancer, and COVID-19. These three conditions account for more than half of all deaths in the country. Heart disease and cancer have been leading causes for over a decade, responsible for more than 37% of U.S. deaths in 2021. COVID-19 has risen to the top ranks since the pandemic began in 2020. In 2021, there were 3,464,231 deaths in the United States, a 2.4% increase from 2020. The age-adjusted death rates for cancer and heart disease have decreased over the last two decades. However, the death rates for Alzheimer's disease and unintentional injuries have nearly doubled between 1999 and 2021. The top 10 causes of death accounted for almost 75% of all deaths in the U.S. in 2021. The average life expectancy in the U.S. is 76.4 years. Men born in 2021 are expected to live an average of 73.5 years, while women are expected to live 79.3 years. Men have higher death rates for cancer and heart disease, whereas women have higher death rates for Alzheimer's disease. Different demographic groups experience varying rates of these conditions. Black Americans have higher rates of heart disease and high blood pressure. American Indians or Alaskan Natives have higher rates of unintentional injuries and chronic liver disease and cirrhosis. Native Hawaiians or other Pacific Islanders have increased rates of diabetes.