Wisconsin: Heart Disease Named The Biggest Killer

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David Keech
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Wisconsin: Heart Disease Named The Biggest Killer
  • The most prevalent cause of death in Wisconsin is heart disease, with a total of 13,128 fatalities
  • The second most common cause of death is cancer, responsible for 11,654 deaths, followed by chronic lower respiratory disease in third, causing a total of 2,761 deaths
  • Recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention was analyzed to help determine the top five causes of death in Wisconsin
 
A new study has revealed that heart disease is the most prevalent cause of death in Wisconsin.
 
U.S. Career Institute, an American online career training school, conducted a comprehensive analysis of Wisconsin’s leading causes of death using data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The study ranked the top five causes of death based on the number of fatalities.
 
The most prevalent cause in Wisconsin is heart disease, with a total of 13,128 fatalities. Heart disease can come in different types, affecting anything from the heart muscles, valves, and the cardiac conduction system.  Some heart diseases can be caused by factors such as genetics, poor diet, certain autoimmune diseases, and high blood pressure. The Mayo Clinic describes early warnings of heart disease as chest pain, shortness of breath, and fainting.
 
The second most prevalent cause of death is cancer, which accounted for 11,654 fatalities. According to the National Cancer Institute, cancer is a genetic disease in which some of the body’s cells grow uncontrollably and spread to other parts of the body. Cancer can start almost anywhere in the human body and can come in the form of solid tumors, known as malignant tumors, or, in cases like blood cancer, be more detectable through symptoms such as swollen lymph nodes and easy bruising of the skin.
The third most prevalent cause of death is a stroke, resulting in 2,761 fatalities. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, a stroke, also known as a brain attack, occurs when blood flow to the brain is blocked or a blood vessel on the surface of the brain bursts. 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
 
 The top five leading causes of death in Wisconsin

Rank
Cause of Death
Number of Deaths
1
Heart Disease
13,128
2
Cancer
 11,654
3
Stroke
2,761
4
Chronic Lower Respiratory Disease
2,709
5
Alzheimer’s
2,361
Chronic lower respiratory disease is the fourth leading cause, causing a total of 2,709 deaths. 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.

In fifth place is Alzheimer’s, resulting in 2,361 deaths. The National Institute on Aging describing it as a brain disorder that causes the brain to shrink and brain cells to eventually die. This gradually destroys memory and cognitive skills, eventually preventing individuals from performing simple day-to-day tasks. 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.

Holly Cook, VP of Marketing at U.S. Career Institute, commented on the findings:
 
“This research highlights that the leading causes of death in Wisconsin are due to health-related conditions which, in some cases, are difficult to treat and overcome.”
 
“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 “
 
“A well-balanced lifestyle of a healthy diet, regular exercise, keeping a good weight, not smoking, and reducing your alcohol intake will all help lower the chances of developing health issues that could become fatal.”
-ENDS-
Sources
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  • World Health Organization (WHO)
  • The Mayo Clinic
  • National Cancer Institute
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
The National Institute on Aging
 
Methodology
 
Data for causes of death was gathered from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2022.
 
The causes of death were ranked from the highest number of deaths to the lowest for the state of Wisconsin

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David Keech
Author: David Keech

David Keech is a retired teacher and works as a sportswriter, sports official and as an educational consultant. He has reported on amateur sports since 2011, known as 'KeechDaVoice.' David can be reached at [email protected]

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