Leading Causes of Death in Females
United States, 2003
Below are the leading causes of death in females for 2003.
*Percent of total deaths in the race category due to the disease indicated. The white, black, American Indian or Alaska Native, and Asian or Pacific Islander race groups include persons of Hispanic and non-Hispanic origin. Persons of Hispanic origin may be of any race.
Short and Full Terms
Some terms in the leading causes of death tables have been shortened from those used in the National Vital Statistics Report. Below is a listing of the shortened terms used in the tables and their full, unabridged equivalents used in the report.
Short Terms | Full Terms |
Aortic aneurism | Aortic aneurism and dissection |
Benign neoplasms | In situ neoplasms, benign neoplasms and neoplasms of uncertain or unknown behavior |
Birth defects | Congenital malformations, deformations and chromosomal abnormalities |
Bronchitis | Acute bronchitis and bronchiolitis |
Cancer | Malignant neoplasms |
Chronic liver disease | Chronic liver disease and cirrhosiss |
Diabetes | Diabetes mellitus |
Gallbladder disorders | Cholethiasis and other disorders of gallbladder |
Heart disease | Diseases of heart |
HIV disease | Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disease |
Homicide | Assault (homicide) |
Hypertension | Essential (primary) hypertension and hypertensive renal disease |
Kidney disease | Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and nephrosis |
Kidney infection | Infections of kidney |
Medical & surgical care complications | Complications of medical and surgical care |
Perinatal conditions | Certain conditions originating in the perinatal period |
Pneumonitis | Pneumonitis due to solids and liquids |
Pregnancy complications | Pregnancy, childbirth and the puerperium |
Stroke | Cerebrovascular diseases |
Suicide | Intentional self-harm |
Unintentional injuries | Accidents (unintentional injuries) |
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Page last modified: August 21, 2007
Page last reviewed: August 21, 2007