CDC Data Confirmed Heart Disease and Cancer Led 2024 Deaths
Heart disease and cancer remained the leading causes of death in the U.S. in 2024 as COVID-19 dropped out of the top ten.
Updated on Oct. 8, 2026 in Cancer
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Mortality data from 2024 confirmed that heart disease and cancer were the primary causes of death across the United States. During the year, there were 3,072,666 total recorded deaths, with COVID-19 falling out of the top ten list for the first time in several years.
Why it matters
Identifying leading causes of mortality helps public health officials direct resources toward chronic disease prevention and intervention strategies. The data provides a comprehensive overview of health trends following the decline of pandemic-era fatalities.
Heart disease caused 683,491 deaths while cancer accounted for 619,876, representing a combined 42% of all mortality in 2024. The ten leading causes of death accounted for 70.9% of the 3,072,666 total deaths recorded nationwide.
The players
National Center for Health Statistics
This federal agency is responsible for collecting, analyzing, and disseminating official mortality and health data for the United States.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
This national public health institute leads federal efforts to protect public health and safety through disease control and prevention.
The details
The findings were compiled by the National Center for Health Statistics using death certificates filed in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. While major chronic conditions topped the list, unintentional injuries resulted in 197,449 deaths, and infant mortality totaled 20,050, with congenital malformations ranking as the leading cause of infant death.
Timeline
In 2023, the United States recorded 3,090,964 total deaths.
In 2024, the United States recorded 3,072,666 total deaths.
The Big Picture
This report marks a return to long-term mortality patterns, following a transition similar to the institutional shifts observed after the 2003 SARS response protocols.
The stabilization of mortality statistics highlights the continued necessity of managing chronic conditions like heart disease and cancer through routine screenings. Residents should prioritize regular check-ups to monitor long-term health metrics as these conditions remain the primary drivers of death.
The takeaway
Chronic diseases continue to be the most significant health challenge facing the nation, underscoring the importance of preventative health measures. Maintaining a focus on early diagnosis remains the most effective strategy to mitigate the risks associated with leading causes of mortality.
Further reading
For more information on national health trends, visit the United States Cancer section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Cleveland.
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