Leading Causes of Death for 51-Year-Olds

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As we grow older, it's important to be aware of the leading causes of death for our age group. When we reach 51 years and above, the risk of developing life-threatening health conditions can increase, and it's crucial to take proactive steps to minimize these risks. In this article, we'll discuss the most common causes of death for 51-year-olds and provide tips on how to prevent and manage these health problems. Whether you're a 51-year-old or someone who knows someone in this age group, continue reading to gain valuable insights into how to maintain your health and live a fulfilling life. (Note: See here for 50-year-old causes of death or here for the most common causes of death for 52-year-olds.)

Leading Causes of Death for 51-Year-Olds (2021 CDC Data)

Cause of DeathTotal Deaths
Heart Disease5,150
COVID-194,170
Cancer3,940
Accidents (Incl. Overdoses)3,249
Liver Disease (incl. Cirrhosis)1,215
Diabetes918
Suicide791
Chronic Lower Respiratory Disease369
Kidney Disease296
Septicemia284
Homicide270
Flu (Non-COVID)241
HIV84
Congenital Malformations81
Pneumonitis Due To Solids & Liquids66
Viral Hepatitis56
Nutritional Deficiency26

According to the latest data from the CDC, heart disease is the leading cause of death among 51-year-olds, with 5,150 deaths in 2021. The second leading cause of death is COVID-19, with 4,170 deaths. This is not surprising given the ongoing pandemic, which has had a significant impact on mortality rates across the United States.

Cancer is the third leading cause of death among this age group, with 3,940 deaths. Accidents, including overdoses, come in fourth with 3,249 deaths. Liver disease, including cirrhosis, is the fifth leading cause of death with 1,215 deaths.

Interestingly, suicide is the sixth leading cause of death for this age group with 791 deaths. This is a concerning trend that must be addressed through improved mental health initiatives.

Chronic lower respiratory disease, kidney disease, septicemia, and homicide are also leading causes of mortality for 51-year-olds. Viral hepatitis, nutritional deficiency, congenital malformations, and pneumonitis due to solids and liquids are less common causes of death in this age group.

Overall, it is important to pay attention to these mortality data as they can provide insights into how to reduce the risk of premature death. Through targeted prevention efforts and improved healthcare options, we can work towards reducing the burden of mortality for all age groups.

Top Causes of Death for Age 51 Men

Cause of DeathTotal Deaths
Heart Disease3,529
COVID-192,657
Accidents (Incl. Overdoses)2,342
Cancer1,889
Liver Disease (incl. Cirrhosis)790
Suicide600
Diabetes559
Homicide216
Kidney Disease178
Chronic Lower Respiratory Disease171
Septicemia153
Flu (Non-COVID)135
HIV84
Congenital Malformations50
Viral Hepatitis31
Pneumonitis Due To Solids & Liquids31

Looking at the data specifically for men aged 51, we can observe that heart disease is still the top cause of death, with 3,529 deaths in the data set. COVID-19 is the second leading cause of death among men in this age group, with 2,657 deaths.

Accidents, including overdoses, come in third with 2,342 deaths, followed by cancer with 1,889 deaths making it the fourth leading cause of death. Liver disease, including cirrhosis, is the fifth leading cause of death among men aged 51 with 790 deaths.

Other leading causes of death for men aged 51 include suicide with 600 deaths, diabetes with 559 deaths, and homicide with 216 deaths. Chronic lower respiratory disease, kidney disease, and septicemia are also significant leading causes of death among this group.

The data also includes less common causes of death for men aged 51, such as influenza, congenital malformations, viral hepatitis, and pneumonitis due to solids and liquids.

Overall, the data highlights the leading causes of mortality among men aged 51, with heart disease, COVID-19, accidents, cancer, and liver disease being the primary causes. The data provides insights into how to improve prevention efforts and healthcare initiatives to address the leading causes of death among men in this age group.

Common Causes of Death for 51-Year-Old Women

Cause of DeathTotal Deaths
Cancer2,051
Heart Disease1,621
COVID-191,513
Accidents (Incl. Overdoses)907
Liver Disease (incl. Cirrhosis)425
Diabetes359
Chronic Lower Respiratory Disease198
Suicide191
Septicemia131
Kidney Disease118
Flu (Non-COVID)106
Homicide54
Pneumonitis Due To Solids & Liquids35
Congenital Malformations31
Nutritional Deficiency26
Viral Hepatitis25

The data on causes of mortality for 51-year-old women reveals that cancer is the leading cause of death, with a total of 2,051 deaths. This is followed by heart disease, with 1,621 deaths, making it the second leading cause of mortality among women in this age group.

COVID-19 comes in as the third leading cause of death, with 1,513 deaths. Accidents, including overdoses, make up the fourth leading cause of death with 907 deaths. Liver disease, including cirrhosis, is the fifth leading cause of mortality among 51-year-old women with 425 deaths.

Diabetes, chronic lower respiratory disease, suicide, septicemia, and kidney disease are also significant causes of mortality in this demographic. Interestingly, suicide is the eighth leading cause of death among women in this group with 191 deaths.

Flu, homicide, pneumonitis due to solids and liquids, congenital malformations, nutritional deficiency, and viral hepatitis round out the remaining leading causes of mortality for 51-year-old women.

Overall, these mortality data reveal significant information about the mortality patterns of this demographic, showcasing the leading causes of death that must be addressed through targeted prevention and improved healthcare options.