Final answer:
The top three leading causes of death in North America are heart disease, cancer, specifically lung cancer, and respiratory diseases, with lifestyle choices such as smoking and diet being significant contributing factors.
Step-by-step explanation:
Top 3 Leading Causes of Death in North America:
The leading causes of death in North America are primarily chronic and noninfectious diseases. The most prevalent of these include heart disease, cancer, and respiratory diseases.
Cancer
Cancer is a major cause of death with lung cancer being the most lethal among all cancer types, accounting for approximately 31% of all cancer deaths. Factors contributing to cancer deaths include smoking, which is linked not only to lung cancer but also many other types of cancer, alcohol consumption, weight control, and dietary practices.
Cardiologist
Heart disease tops the list as the leading cause of death, with our sedentary lifestyles and high trans-fat diets being major contributors. Heart diseases such as ischemic heart disease take more lives in higher-income countries than any other condition.
Respiratory Diseases
Smoking is also the most significant cause of respiratory diseases, which are among the top causes of death. Exposure to tobacco smoke, whether through direct smoking or secondhand smoke, is a leading cause of preventable deaths in North America.