U.S. mortality rate dropped a bit in 2010

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ATLANTA, Aug. 16 (UPI) -- Death rates for all races and ethnic groups in the United States have generally decreased since 1950, and dropped a bit more in 2010, health officials say.

A report from the National Center for Health Statistics, part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said U.S. mortality was best summarized by the age-adjusted death rate -- a measure that accounts for changes in the age distribution of the population.

In 2010, the age-adjusted death rate for the United States was 746.2 per 100,000 in population -- representing a 0.5 percent drop from the rate in 2009 of 749.6 per 100,000 in population. The highest mortality was observed for the non-Hispanic black population at 918.1 in 100,000 in population, followed by the non-Hispanic white population at 754.1 per 100,000 in population.

"Much of the recent improvements in death rates and life expectancy for all population groups can be attributed to ongoing reductions in death rates from major causes of death such as heart disease, cancer, stroke and chronic lower respiratory diseases," the report said.

The figures presented in the report were based on preliminary mortality data for 2010 and final data for 2000 to 2009.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. High blood pressure, high cholesterol and smoking are all risk factors that could lead to cardiovascular disease and stroke.