Final answer:
The 1999 Institute of Medicine report indicated that medical error could be attributed to as many as 98,000 deaths each year. This figure is significant but considerably less than deaths from cardiovascular diseases, which are the leading global cause of death. The dangers of drug overdose have also risen over time, particularly from opioids and heroin.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to the 1999 Institute of Medicine report, as many as 98,000 deaths each year could be attributed to medical error. This figure highlights the significant impact of preventable mistakes within the healthcare system. In contrast, cardiovascular diseases are a leading cause of death globally and certainly exceed this number, with deaths attributable mainly to cardiovascular disease accounting for about 30 percent of all deaths worldwide. Drug overdose deaths, particularly from heroin and opioid painkillers, have also been a growing concern, with accidental deaths from drug overdoses surpassing those from motor vehicle crashes by 2014.
Heart disease is another major health issue and has been cited as the leading cause of death in the United States, a status greatly influenced by dietary and lifestyle choices such as a sedentary lifestyle and high trans-fat diets.