Question

A 65-year-old retired Army Major General with a history of hypertension is seen for a routine health maintenance visit at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. He denies any specific complaints. On physical examination, his blood pressure is 150/90 mmHg, respiratory rate is 14/min, heart rate is 60 beats/min, and a temperature of 98.7oF. His lungs are clear and there is a systolic murmur radiating to the carotid arteries. Echocardiography confirms aortic stenosis. During your conversation with the patient, his granddaughter asks: "What is the overall leading cause of death in the US?" To this you reply:

A) "AIDS is the overall leading cause of death in the US."
B) "Heart disease is the overall leading cause of death in the US."
C) "Cancer is the overall leading cause of death in the US."
D) "Trauma is the overall leading cause of death in the US."

Answer 1

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, often exacerbated by hypertension and lifestyle factors.

Step-by-step explanation:

The overall leading cause of death in the United States is heart disease. This is due in part to lifestyle factors such as a sedentary lifestyle and diets high in trans-fats which can lead to conditions such as hypertension and atherosclerosis. Hypertension, often referred to as high blood pressure, is a condition where the pressure is persistently at or above 140/90 mm Hg, and is a major risk factor that can lead to heart disease, including heart attack or stroke. As such, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and managing blood pressure are critical in preventing death from cardiovascular diseases.