Iowa’s Top 10 Leading Causes of Death

Iowa, with its rich farming heritage and tight-knit communities, has a diverse and complex health landscape. With about 3.2 million residents, Iowa has a higher median age compared to the national average, meaning a larger portion of its population is older. This aging trend influences the state's health priorities, highlighting the need to manage chronic diseases and maintain a good quality of life for seniors and its citizens in general.

Iowa faces several major health concerns that align with national trends but it also faces specific regional issues. Chronic diseases like heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and chronic lower respiratory diseases are leading causes of death and disability. Managing these conditions effectively through preventive care, lifestyle changes, and medical treatments is essential. Mental health is another significant issue, with concerns like depression, anxiety, and suicide requiring better access to services, education on the stigma, and a heavier focus on mental well-being.

Additionally, substance abuse (specifically opioid addiction) is a serious risk that needs comprehensive efforts in education, treatment, and law enforcement. Moreover, many Iowans live in rural areas, where accessing healthcare can be tough. Improving healthcare infrastructure, telehealth services, and overall health education is vital to ensure rural populations get the care they need. Given these challenges, it's important to delve into the leading causes of death in Iowa to understand and address the state's most pressing health issues.

This article examines the top 10 causes of death in Iowa, providing insights into the prevalence and impact of various diseases and conditions using stats provided by the CDC.

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10. Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

Hypertension is a significant health concern, putting individuals at risk for heart disease and stroke. In 2021, high blood pressure was a primary or contributing cause of 691,095 deaths in the United States. Nearly half of all adults have high blood pressure, with many not having it under control. This condition costs the U.S. about $131 billion annually.

9. Suicide

I'm no stranger to this cause of death. Few things are harder than watching a loved one slip away after a failed suicide attempt. The emotional toll a suicide can produce for those left behind can create a spiral of devastation. Suicide is a major public health issue, with rates increasing by approximately 36% between 2000 and 2021. In 2021, there were 48,183 deaths due to suicide, affecting people of all ages and demographics. Mental health support and community connections are essential to reducing suicide rates.

8. Diabetes

Diabetes, affecting about 38 million U.S. adults, disrupts the body's ability to process sugar, leading to dangerous complications. It is the eighth leading cause of death, with Type 2 diabetes being the most common form. The prevalence of diabetes has more than doubled in the last 20 years, emphasizing the need for better management and prevention strategies.

7. Alzheimer’s Disease

Another debilitating disease I have had the misfortune of experiencing firsthand. Grandmothers on both sides of my family have succumbed to the ever-growing decay of their minds and personalities. It can be devastating for family and friends to watch a loved one slowly forget everyone and everything. Despite seeing the effects of this disease, I can not imagine the loneliness and confusion it causes. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia, leading to severe cognitive decline. In 2020, around 5.8 million Americans were living with Alzheimer’s, a number projected to nearly triple by 2060. This progressive disease is a leading cause of death among older adults and has significant economic and social impacts.

6. Stroke

Strokes are a leading cause of death and serious long-term disability. In 2021, strokes accounted for 1 in 6 deaths from cardiovascular disease. Every year, more than 795,000 people in the U.S. have a stroke, with significant healthcare costs and loss of productivity.

5. Chronic Lower Respiratory Diseases (CLRD)

CLRD includes COPD, asthma, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis. Smoking is the primary cause, accounting for about 80% of cases. These diseases lead to significant morbidity and mortality, highlighting the importance of smoking cessation and reducing exposure to air pollutants.

4. Accidents

Unintentional injuries, such as falls, motor vehicle accidents, and poisonings, are a leading cause of death. In 2022, there were 227,039 deaths from accidents in the U.S. Preventative measures and safety protocols can help reduce the risk of accidental deaths.

3. COVID-19

My grandfather passed away due to complications from Covid. After he caught it, he just wasn't able to beat it, and eventually, his lungs succumbed to the trauma. Many friends of mine have similar stories. COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, has led to over one million deaths in the U.S. since the pandemic began. The disease primarily affects the respiratory system but can have widespread effects on the body. Continued vigilance and vaccination efforts are crucial in managing the impact of COVID-19.

2. Cancer

My family has had a few run-ins with skin cancer, which is fairly easy to get and fairly easy to treat if caught early (not always the case). However, cancer as a whole remains a major health challenge, with nearly 1.9 million new cases diagnosed annually in the U.S. and over 609,000 deaths in 2022. Despite improvements in survival rates, cancer continues to be a leading cause of death, affecting almost 40% of Americans at some point in their lives.

1. Heart Disease

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in Iowa, the United States, and globally. It caused nearly 700,000 deaths in the U.S. in 2021, with coronary artery disease being the most common type. Nearly half of all Americans have some form of heart disease, and the prevalence continues to rise, underscoring the need for better prevention and treatment strategies.

Understanding the leading causes of death can guide public health efforts and individual actions to improve health outcomes. By addressing risk factors, promoting healthy lifestyles, and ensuring access to healthcare, we can reduce the burden of these diseases and conditions. I mean, who doesn't want to live a little bit longer? Taking proactive steps to care for your health now can lead to a longer, healthier life. Stay informed, stay active, and seek regular medical check-ups to manage and prevent health issues effectively. With a good bit of effort, we can put a dent in this top 10 list for the state of Iowa.