In 2021, the average mortality rate across OECD countries from preventable causes stood at 158 deaths per 100,000 population. This varied widely from just 83 deaths in Israel to 435 preventable deaths in Mexico per 100,000 population. The OECD defines preventable mortality as causes of death amongst people aged under 75 years that can be mainly avoided through effective public health and primary prevention interventions (i.e. before the onset of disease/injury, to reduce incidence). Treatable (or amenable mortality is defined as causes of death that can be mainly avoided through timely and effective health care interventions including secondary prevention and treatment (i.e. after the onset of disease, to reduce case fatality). This statistic presents the mortality rates from preventable causes worldwide in 2021, by country.

Rank, number of deaths, percentage of deaths, and age-specific mortality rates for the leading causes of death, by age group and sex, 2000 to most recent year.

In 2021, the average mortality rate across OECD countries from treatable causes stood at 79 deaths per 100,000 population. This varied widely from just 39 deaths in Switzerland to 257 treatable deaths in South Africa per 100,000 population. The OECD defines treatable (or amenable) mortality as causes of death that can be mainly avoided through timely and effective health care interventions including secondary prevention and treatment (i.e. after the onset of disease, to reduce case fatality). Preventable mortality is defined as causes of death amongst people aged under 75 years that can be mainly avoided through effective public health and primary prevention interventions (i.e. before the onset of disease/injury, to reduce incidence).
This statistic presents the mortality rates from treatable causes in OECD countries in 2021, by country.

In 2022, the states with the highest death rates due to heart disease were Oklahoma, Mississippi, and Alabama. That year, there were around 257 deaths due to heart disease per 100,000 population in the state of Oklahoma. In comparison, the overall death rate from heart disease in the United States was 167 per 100,000 population. The leading cause of death in the United States Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, accounting for 21 percent of all deaths in 2022. That year, cancer was the second leading cause of death, followed by unintentional injuries and COVID-19. In the United States, a person has a one in six chance of dying from heart disease. Death rates for heart disease are higher among men than women, but both have seen steady decreases in heart disease death rates since the 1950s. What are risk factors for heart disease? Although heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, the risk of heart disease can be decreased by avoiding known risk factors. Some of the leading preventable risk factors for heart disease include smoking, heavy alcohol use, physical inactivity, an unhealthy diet, and being overweight or obese. It is no surprise that the states with the highest rates of death from heart disease are also the states with the highest rates of heart disease risk factors. For example, Oklahoma, the state with the highest heart disease death rate, is also the state with the third-highest rate of obesity. Furthermore, Mississippi is the state with the highest levels of physical inactivity, and it has the second-highest heart disease death rate in the United States.

BackgroundWhile the high prevalence of preterm births and its impact on infant mortality in the US have been widely acknowledged, recent data suggest that even full-term births in the US face substantially higher mortality risks compared to European countries with low infant mortality rates. In this paper, we use the most recent birth records in the US to more closely analyze the primary causes underlying mortality rates among full-term births.Methods and findingsLinked birth and death records for the period 2010–2012 were used to identify the state- and cause-specific burden of infant mortality among full-term infants (born at 37–42 weeks of gestation). Multivariable logistic models were used to assess the extent to which state-level differences in full-term infant mortality (FTIM) were attributable to observed differences in maternal and birth characteristics. Random effects models were used to assess the relative contribution of state-level variation to FTIM. Hypothetical mortality outcomes were computed under the assumption that all states could achieve the survival rates of the best-performing states. A total of 10,175,481 infants born full-term in the US between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2012, were analyzed. FTIM rate (FTIMR) was 2.2 per 1,000 live births overall, and ranged between 1.29 (Connecticut, 95% CI 1.08, 1.53) and 3.77 (Mississippi, 95% CI 3.39, 4.19) at the state level. Zero states reached the rates reported in the 6 low-mortality European countries analyzed (FTIMR < 1.25), and 13 states had FTIMR > 2.75. Sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI) accounted for 43% of FTIM; congenital malformations and perinatal conditions accounted for 31% and 11.3% of FTIM, respectively. The largest mortality differentials between states with good and states with poor FTIMR were found for SUDI, with particularly large risk differentials for deaths due to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) (odds ratio [OR] 2.52, 95% CI 1.86, 3.42) and suffocation (OR 4.40, 95% CI 3.71, 5.21). Even though these mortality differences were partially explained by state-level differences in maternal education, race, and maternal health, substantial state-level variation in infant mortality remained in fully adjusted models (SIDS OR 1.45, suffocation OR 2.92). The extent to which these state differentials are due to differential antenatal care standards as well as differential access to health services could not be determined due to data limitations. Overall, our estimates suggest that infant mortality could be reduced by 4,003 deaths (95% CI 2,284, 5,587) annually if all states were to achieve the mortality levels of the best-performing state in each cause-of-death category. Key limitations of the analysis are that information on termination rates at the state level was not available, and that causes of deaths may have been coded differentially across states.ConclusionsMore than 7,000 full-term infants die in the US each year. The results presented in this paper suggest that a substantial share of these deaths may be preventable. Potential improvements seem particularly large for SUDI, where very low rates have been achieved in a few states while average mortality rates remain high in most other areas. Given the high mortality burden due to SIDS and suffocation, policy efforts to promote compliance with recommended sleeping arrangements could be an effective first step in this direction.

Between 1970 and 1988, major cardiovascular diseases were the most common cause of death in both the United States and Soviet Union. However, the death rate in the U.S. fell between the given years, whereas the USSR's rate increased significantly, especially during the 1970s. Malignancies (i.e. cancers) were the second most common cause of death, with both death rates rising over time. Other causes that that varied greatly between the two countries were accidents and adverse effects, where the USSR's rate was almost double that of the U.S. in 1980; pulmonary diseases, where the U.S. rate was higher in 1988 despite having been four times lower in 1970; and diabetes, where the U.S. rate was higher by a factor of 11 in 1970 and a factor of four in 1988.

There were, of course, variations between the two countries in their standards of diagnosis and the classification of causes of death, with U.S. records generally thought to be more accurate, whereas the USSR's rates improved with time. The Soviet Union also did not provide separate data for deaths caused by liver disease or pneumonia/influenza, possibly due to the rise and prevalence of alcohol-related deaths during the given period, which the government wished to downplay. Preventable deaths related to alcohol and substance abuse (including tobacco) were major factors in the Soviet Union's high death rates in certain categories, such as accidental deaths, pulmonary disease, and suicides. In contrast, the U.S.' higher rate of diabetes deaths has been attribute to an increase in levels of Type 2 diabetes, which is most-commonly caused by lifestyle and dietary factors.

Noncommunicable diseases and mental health conditions (referred to collectively as NMHs) are the greatest cause of preventable death, illness, and disability in South America and negatively affect countries’ economic performance through their detrimental impacts on labor supply and capital investments. Sound, evidence-based policy-making requires a deep understanding of the macroeconomic costs of NMHs and of their distribution across countries and diseases. The paper estimates and projects the macroeconomic burden of NMHs over the period 2020–2050 in 10 South American countries. We estimate the impact of NMHs on gross domestic product (GDP) through a human capital-augmented production function approach, accounting for mortality and morbidity effects of NMHs on labor supply, for the impact of treatment costs on physical capital accumulation, and for variations in human capital by age. Our central estimates suggest that the overall burden of NMHs in these countries amounts to $7.3 trillion (2022 international $, 3% discount rate, 95% confidence interval: $6.8–$7.8 trillion). Overall, the macroeconomic burden of NMHs is around 4% of total GDP over 2020–2050, with little variation across countries (from 3.2% in Peru to 4.5% in Brazil). In other words, without NMHs, annual GDP over 2020–2050 would be about 4% larger. In most countries, the largest macroeconomic burden is associated with cancers. Results from the paper point to a significant macroeconomic burden of NMHs in South America and provide a strong justification for investment in NMH prevention, early detection, treatment, and formal and informal care.

Tobacco-related deaths remain the leading cause of preventable death in the United States. Veterans suffering from posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)—about 11% of those receiving care from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)—have triple the risk of developing tobacco use disorder (TUD). The most efficacious strategies being used at the VA for smoking cessation only result in a 23% abstinence rate, and veterans with PTSD only achieve a 4.5% abstinence rate. Therefore, there is a critical need to develop more effective treatments for smoking cessation. Recent studies suggest the insula is integrally involved in the neurocircuitry of TUD. Thus, we propose a feasibility phase II randomized controlled trial (RCT) to study a form of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) called intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS). iTBS has the advantage of allowing for a patterned form of stimulation delivery that we will administer at 90% of the subject’s resting motor threshold (rMT) applied over a region in the right post-central gyrus most functionally connected to the right posterior insula. We hypothesize that by increasing functional connectivity between the right post-central gyrus and the right posterior insula, withdrawal symptoms and short-term smoking cessation outcomes will improve. Fifty eligible veterans with comorbid TUD and PTSD will be randomly assigned to active-iTBS + cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) + nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) (n = 25) or sham-iTBS + CBT + NRT (n = 25). The primary outcome, feasibility, will be determined by achieving a recruitment of 50 participants and retention rate of 80%. The success of iTBS will be evaluated through self-reported nicotine use, cravings, withdrawal symptoms, and abstinence following quit date (confirmed by bioverification) along with evaluation for target engagement through neuroimaging changes, specifically connectivity differences between the insula and other regions of interest.

Avoidable mortality covers both preventable and treatable causes of mortality. Preventable mortality refers to mortality that can mainly be avoided through effective public health and primary prevention interventions (i.e. before the onset of diseases/injuries, to reduce incidence). Treatable mortality can mainly be avoided through timely and effective health care interventions, including secondary prevention and treatment (after the onset of diseases to reduce case-fatality). The total avoidable mortality includes a number of infectious diseases, several types of cancers, endocrine and metabolic diseases, as well as some diseases of the nervous, circulatory, respiratory, digestive, genitourinary systems, some diseases related to pregnancy, childbirth and the perinatal period, a number of congenital malformations, adverse effects of medical and surgical care, a list of injuries and alcohol and drug related disorders. The data are presented as standardised death rates, meaning they are adjusted to a standard age distribution in order to measure death rates independently of different age structures of populations. This approach improves comparability over time and between countries. The standardised death rates used here are calculated on the basis of the standard European population. Copyright notice and free re-use of data on: https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/about-us/policies/copyright

This statistic shows the percentage of pregnancy-related deaths in the U.S. that were preventable from 2008 to 2017, by two of the major causes. During this time period it was estimated that ** percent of pregnancy-related deaths caused by hemorrhage were preventable.

Overview

New York, NY – July 29, 2025: The Global Cardiovascular Market is projected to grow from USD 53.7 billion in 2024 to USD 119.2 billion by 2034, expanding at a CAGR of 8.3%. This growth is mainly driven by the rising burden of heart-related conditions worldwide. Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are now the leading cause of death globally. Factors such as poor diet, limited physical activity, and high stress contribute significantly. As a result, the need for better diagnosis, effective treatment, and long-term care continues to increase across many regions.

Population ageing is also a key driver of this market. As people live longer, age-related heart problems are becoming more common. Older adults are more likely to suffer from conditions like hypertension, arrhythmia, and heart failure. This trend is pushing healthcare systems to offer more frequent check-ups, heart surgeries, and advanced care solutions. The ageing population is placing higher demand on medical services and creating growth opportunities for the cardiovascular sector.

Unhealthy lifestyle habits are another major concern. Many individuals regularly consume high-fat and high-salt foods. Smoking, alcohol use, and lack of physical activity also raise the risk of CVDs. These habits often lead to obesity, diabetes, and high cholesterol, all of which contribute to heart disease. The focus is now shifting towards early intervention and lifestyle modifications. Countries are promoting healthier habits through public awareness campaigns and community health programs.

Governments and health agencies are stepping up their efforts with targeted public health campaigns. These initiatives encourage people to exercise, quit smoking, and eat better. Many programs now include blood pressure screenings and salt-reduction policies. National health plans are also expanding to include regular heart check-ups and wider access to medications. These strategies are helping reduce preventable deaths and promote long-term heart health.

Meanwhile, technological innovations are transforming cardiovascular care. Smart wearables and mobile apps help monitor heart rate, blood pressure, and medication adherence. Patients can now consult doctors remotely, especially in rural areas. Hospitals are using advanced machines for early diagnosis and minimally invasive surgeries. These improvements make treatment faster and more effective. As digital health tools become more common, they are improving outcomes and lowering healthcare costs. Combined with rising public investment, this creates a strong outlook for the cardiovascular market.

Macroeconomic burden of leading NMHs: Total GDP loss (in billions, 2022 international $)i.

This is a result replication package accompanying a paper, whose Abstract is the following.ABSTRACT Smoking is the leading preventable cause of death in the U.S. Because e-cigarettes do not involve the combustion of tobacco, vaping offers the potential to prevent the majority of the health consequences of smoking. We study the impact of an information shock created by an outbreak of lung injuries apparently related to e-cigarettes. We use data from multiple sources: surveys of risk perceptions conducted before, during, and after the outbreak; an in-depth survey we conducted on risk perceptions and vaping and smoking behavior; and national aggregate time-series sales data. We find that after the outbreak, consumer perceptions of the riskiness of e-cigarettes sharply increased, so that in contrast to almost all experts, the majority of consumers perceive e-cigarettes to be relatively and absolutely riskier than cigarettes. From our estimated e-cigarette demand models, we conclude that the information shock reduced e-cigarette demand by about 30 percent. We also estimate that the information shock decreased the use of e-cigarettes for smoking cessation, again by about 30 percent. Our estimates predict that over time, the reduced smoking cessation due to the information shock will in turn increase smoking-related illness and death.

Maternal mortality rates can vary significantly around the world. For example, in 2022, Estonia had a maternal mortality rate of zero per 100,000 live births, while Mexico reported a rate of 38 deaths per 100,000 live births. However, the regions with the highest number of maternal deaths are Sub-Saharan Africa and Southern Asia, with differences between countries and regions often reflecting inequalities in health care services and access. Most causes of maternal mortality are preventable and treatable with the most common causes including severe bleeding, infections, complications during delivery, high blood pressure during pregnancy, and unsafe abortion. Maternal mortality in the United States In 2022, there were a total of 817 maternal deaths in the United States. Women aged 25 to 39 years accounted for 578 of these deaths, however, rates of maternal mortality are much higher among women aged 40 years and older. In 2022, the rate of maternal mortality among women aged 40 years and older in the U.S. was 87 per 100,000 live births, compared to a rate of 21 among women aged 25 to 39 years. The rate of maternal mortality in the U.S. has risen in recent years among all age groups. Differences in maternal mortality in the U.S. by race/ethnicity Sadly, there are great disparities in maternal mortality in the United States among different races and ethnicities. In 2022, the rate of maternal mortality among non-Hispanic white women was about 19 per 100,000 live births, while non-Hispanic Black women died from maternal causes at a rate of almost 50 per 100,000 live births. Rates of maternal mortality have risen for white and Hispanic women in recent years, but Black women have by far seen the largest increase in maternal mortality. In 2022, around 253 Black women died from maternal causes in the United States.

Macroeconomic burden of NMHs over the period 2020–2050.

This dataset contains data from WHO's data portal covering the following categories:

Adolescent, Ageing, Air pollution, Assistive technology, Child, Child mortality, Cross-cutting, Dementia diagnosis, treatment and care, Environment and health, Foodborne Diseases Estimates, Global Dementia Observatory (GDO), Global Health Estimates: Life expectancy and leading causes of death and disability, Global Information System on Alcohol and Health, Global Patient Safety Observatory, Global strategy, HIV, Health financing, Health systems, Health taxes, Health workforce, Hepatitis, Immunization coverage and vaccine-preventable diseases, Malaria, Maternal and newborn, Maternal and reproductive health, Mental health, Neglected tropical diseases, Noncommunicable diseases, Nutrition, Oral Health, Priority health technologies, Resources for Substance Use Disorders, Road Safety, SDG Target 3.8 | Achieve universal health coverage (UHC), Sexually Transmitted Infections, Tobacco control, Tuberculosis, Vaccine-preventable communicable diseases, Violence prevention, Water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), World Health Statistics.

For links to individual indicator metadata, see resource descriptions.

Results of the regressions explaining an individual’s current smoking status.

This dataset contains data from WHO's data portal covering the following categories:

Adolescent, Ageing, Air pollution, Assistive technology, Child, Child mortality, Cross-cutting, Dementia diagnosis, treatment and care, Environment and health, Foodborne Diseases Estimates, Global Dementia Observatory (GDO), Global Health Estimates: Life expectancy and leading causes of death and disability, Global Information System on Alcohol and Health, Global Patient Safety Observatory, Global strategy, HIV, Health financing, Health systems, Health taxes, Health workforce, Hepatitis, Immunization coverage and vaccine-preventable diseases, Malaria, Maternal and newborn, Maternal and reproductive health, Mental health, Neglected tropical diseases, Noncommunicable diseases, Nutrition, Oral Health, Priority health technologies, Resources for Substance Use Disorders, Road Safety, SDG Target 3.8 | Achieve universal health coverage (UHC), Sexually Transmitted Infections, Tobacco control, Tuberculosis, Vaccine-preventable communicable diseases, Violence prevention, Water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), World Health Statistics.

For links to individual indicator metadata, see resource descriptions.

Descriptive statistics analysis sample.

Results of the regressions explaining an individual’s smoking intensity.