Clinical Report: New CDC Report Tracks US Mortality Trends

Overview

The US age-adjusted death rate reached a record low of 689.2 per 100,000 in 2025, a 4.6% decrease from 2024, according to provisional mortality data from the CDC. Heart disease remained the leading cause of death, with notable increases in mortality from cancer and unintentional injuries.

Background

Understanding mortality trends is crucial for public health planning and resource allocation. The CDC's report provides insights into the leading causes of death and demographic variations in mortality rates. Tracking these trends helps identify areas for intervention and prevention strategies.

Data Highlights

Key Findings

• The overall age-adjusted mortality rate in 2025 was 689.2 deaths per 100,000 population.
• Heart disease accounted for 694,708 deaths, remaining the leading cause of death.
• Cancer was the second leading cause, with 622,832 deaths reported.
• Age-adjusted mortality rates decreased across all age groups.
• Suicide fell from the 10th leading cause of death in 2024 to the 11th in 2025.
• Mortality rates increased among American Indian and Alaska Native people and Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander people.

Conclusion

Provisional data from the CDC indicates trends in overall mortality rates, although certain populations are experiencing increases in mortality.

Related Resources & Content

1. US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Vital Statistics Rapid Release, 2026 -- New CDC Report Tracks US Mortality Trends
2. Associated Press Health, CDC: US life expectancy hit an all-time high in 2024
3. Associated Press Health, CDC says US Suicide rate fell in 2024
4. JAMA Network Open — Causes of Excess Deaths in the US Compared With Other High-Income Countries
5. American Journal of Epidemiology — Stagnant Trends: Rising and Flat Cardiovascular Disease Mortality Rates Post-2010 Across US States and Counties
6. What the new CDC/NCHS report shows for 2025
7. Current U.S. clinical guidance touching the major drivers of mortality
8. Vital Statistics Rapid Release, Number 44 (July 2026)
9. Products - Data Briefs - Number 548 - January 2026
10. 2025 AHA/ACC/AANP/AAPA/ABC/ACCP/ACPM/AGS/AMA/ASPC/NMA/PCNA/SGIM Guideline for the Prevention, Detection, Evaluation and Management of High Blood Pressure in Adults: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Joint Committee on Clinical Practice Guidelines
11. Cancer statistics, 2026 - Siegel - 2026 - CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians - Wiley Online Library
12. Screening for Cervical Cancer | ACOG
13. Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices Recommended Immunization Schedule for Adults Aged 19 Years or Older — United States, 2025
14. Evolocumab to Reduce First Major Cardiovascular Events in Patients Without Known Significant Atherosclerosis and With Diabetes: Results From the VESALIUS-CV Trial | Trials | JAMA | JAMA Network
15. Cancer statistics, 2026 - Siegel - 2026 - CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians - Wiley Online Library
16. U.S. Overdose Deaths Decrease for Third Consecutive Year in 2025 | NCHS Pressroom | CDC