Medicare Can't Protect You From These Deadly Trends in U.S. Mortality

The United States is often acknowledged for its higher spending in many areas compared to other nations, and health care is no exception. According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the U.S. spent more than 4.9 trillion in 2023, which amounts to about 14,570 per person, more than four times the average for other nations of wealth. Yet, the U.S. mortality rates are still high.

To determine the deadliest trends in U.S. mortality over the past five years, 24/7 Tempo reviewed data on mortality rates for over 100 selected causes of death from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Major causes of death were ranked based on the crude mortality rate—annual deaths per 100,000 Americans—from 2018 to June 1, 2024. (Check out the 12 biggest public health conspiracies of all time.)

This post was updated May 15th, 2025 with recent statistics.

15. Parkinson's disease

Mortality rate, 2018 to June 2024: 10.6 per 100,000 Americans
Age-adjusted mortality rate: 8.6 per 100,000 people
Total deaths: 244,732

14. Essential hypertension and hypertensive renal disease

Mortality rate, 2018 to June 2024: 11.2 per 100,000 Americans
Age-adjusted mortality rate: 9 per 100,000 people
Total deaths: 260,349

13. Septicemia

Mortality rate, 2018 to June 2024: 11.3 per 100,000 Americans
Age-adjusted mortality rate: 9.1 per 100,000 people
Total deaths: 261,209

12. Intentional self-harm (suicide)

Mortality rate, 2018 to June 2024: 12.3 per 100,000 Americans
Age-adjusted mortality rate: 11.9 per 100,000 people
Total deaths: 285,949

If you or someone you know is in crisis, please call the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, which has trained listeners standing by and ready to help. Visit 988lifeline.org for crisis chat services or more information.