most leading cause of death
Top 10 Causes of Death. Heart disease and stroke were the leading causes of death in 2001, regardless of countries' incomes, the study shows. However, other leading causes of death differed depending on countries' incomes. Here is the list for high-income countries: 1  Heart disease. 2  Stroke. 3  Lung cancer. 4  Lower respiratory infections. 5  Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). 6  Colon and rectum cancers. 7  Alzheimer's disease.