Final answer:
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, often exacerbated by lifestyle factors such as sedentary behavior and an unhealthy diet. It causes more deaths than any other disease, with many victims dying before hospital care can be administered.
Step-by-step explanation:
The number one killer in the United States, where over 60% of all victims die before reaching the hospital, is heart disease. Heart disease is primarily caused by a sedentary lifestyle and diets high in trans-fats, leading to conditions such as arteriosclerosis and atherosclerosis. The latter involves the buildup of fatty deposits or plaque in the arteries, reducing blood flow and potentially leading to heart attacks or strokes. While cancer is also a leading cause of death, heart disease accounts for the highest number of deaths with many victims not surviving long enough to receive hospital care.
Behavioral factors such as smoking, obesity, lack of exercise, and poor dietary habits are significant contributors to heart disease. Furthermore, while cancers have both genetic and environmental causes, lifestyle changes and preventive measures can reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes significantly. Cardiologists emphasize the importance of lifestyle modifications to prevent heart disease.