GITNUXREPORT 2026

Physical Health Statistics

Cardiovascular diseases are the world's leading cause of death, killing millions annually.

Min-ji Park

Research Analyst focused on sustainability and consumer trends.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Statistic 1

Globally, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) cause 17.9 million deaths annually, accounting for 32% of all global deaths, with 85% due to heart attacks and strokes.

Statistic 2

In the US, heart disease is the leading cause of death, killing about 695,000 people in 2021, or one in every five deaths.

Statistic 3

High blood pressure affects 1.28 billion adults aged 30-79 worldwide, with two-thirds living in low- and middle-income countries.

Statistic 4

Stroke kills 6.55 million people annually worldwide, and is the second leading cause of death.

Statistic 5

Atrial fibrillation prevalence is estimated at 2-3% in adults over 65, increasing stroke risk by 5-fold.

Statistic 6

Coronary heart disease affects 18.2 million US adults, with 805,000 experiencing a new or recurrent heart attack yearly.

Statistic 7

Smoking causes about 1.8 million deaths yearly from CVDs globally.

Statistic 8

Physical inactivity contributes to 6% of coronary heart disease cases worldwide.

Statistic 9

Diabetes doubles the risk of cardiovascular disease, affecting 422 million adults globally.

Statistic 10

LDL cholesterol levels above 190 mg/dL increase heart disease risk by 10-fold in some populations.

Statistic 11

Heart failure affects 6.2 million US adults aged 20+, with prevalence rising to 9.5% in those 65+.

Statistic 12

Globally, 1 in 100 people over 65 have peripheral artery disease, causing leg pain and amputation risk.

Statistic 13

Rheumatic heart disease kills 288,000 people yearly, mostly in low-income countries.

Statistic 14

US adults with hypertension: 47%, but only 1 in 4 have it under control.

Statistic 15

Endothelial dysfunction precedes atherosclerosis, with 50% of CVD events linked to it.

Statistic 16

Chronic kidney disease increases CVD mortality risk by 10-50 times.

Statistic 17

Air pollution causes 4.2 million premature deaths yearly from stroke, heart disease, etc.

Statistic 18

Women have 20-30% higher lifetime risk of stroke than men in high-income countries.

Statistic 19

Sudden cardiac death occurs in 350,000-450,000 US cases yearly, mostly from ventricular arrhythmias.

Statistic 20

Obesity raises heart failure risk by 35% per 5-unit BMI increase.

Statistic 21

Alcohol consumption above 14g/day increases hypertension risk by 20%.

Statistic 22

South Asians have 2-4 times higher coronary artery calcium score progression.

Statistic 23

Wearable ECG detects atrial fibrillation with 98.1% sensitivity in clinical trials.

Statistic 24

Framingham Risk Score predicts 10-year CVD risk with C-statistic of 0.76 in men, 0.79 in women.

Statistic 25

Statins reduce major vascular events by 21% per 1 mmol/L LDL reduction.

Statistic 26

Aspirin reduces nonfatal MI by 34% in secondary prevention.

Statistic 27

Cardiac rehab post-MI reduces mortality by 20-30%.

Statistic 28

Mediterranean diet lowers CVD events by 30% in high-risk individuals.

Statistic 29

Yoga reduces systolic BP by 5 mmHg on average in hypertensives.

Statistic 30

Global prevalence of hypertension in adults is 30-45%.

Statistic 31

Global adults insufficiently active: 27%, 1.4 billion.

Statistic 32

US adults meeting aerobic + muscle guidelines: 23.2%.

Statistic 33

Sedentary time >8 hours/day raises mortality risk 15%.

Statistic 34

Resistance training 2x/week reduces all-cause mortality 40%.

Statistic 35

150 min moderate aerobic exercise/week cuts CVD risk 14%.

Statistic 36

HIIT improves VO2max by 5-10% more than MICT in meta-analyses.

Statistic 37

Walking 10,000 steps/day linked to 46% lower premature mortality.

Statistic 38

Yoga reduces chronic low back pain by 60% short-term.

Statistic 39

Strength training increases muscle mass 1-2kg in 12 weeks untrained.

Statistic 40

Exercise adherence drops to 50% after 6 months in programs.

Statistic 41

Children <1h screen time/day, 60 min activity recommended.

Statistic 42

Balance training reduces falls 24% in elderly.

Statistic 43

Cycling commuters have 15% lower cancer, 24% lower CVD risk.

Statistic 44

Sleep 7-9 hours/night optimizes exercise recovery.

Statistic 45

Fitness trackers improve activity by 1,200 steps/day initially.

Statistic 46

Tai Chi improves knee OA pain by 24 points on VAS.

Statistic 47

VO2max declines 1%/year after 30, 50% faster if inactive.

Statistic 48

Group exercise boosts adherence 20-30% vs solo.

Statistic 49

Acute exercise increases BDNF 20-30%, aiding neuroplasticity.

Statistic 50

Cancer survivors exercising meet guidelines 37% vs 53% general pop.

Statistic 51

Global cancer burden: 20 million new cases, 10 million deaths in 2022.

Statistic 52

HIV causes 630,000 deaths in 2022, 39 million living with it.

Statistic 53

TB incidence 10.6 million new cases in 2022, 1.3 million deaths.

Statistic 54

Malaria kills 608,000 yearly, mostly African children under 5.

Statistic 55

Chronic kidney disease 7th leading cause of death globally, 3.1 million deaths.

Statistic 56

Alzheimer's/dementia affects 55 million, 10 million new cases yearly.

Statistic 57

Liver cirrhosis from alcohol kills 500,000 yearly.

Statistic 58

US opioid overdose deaths 81,806 in 2022.

Statistic 59

Hepatitis B chronic 296 million, causing 1.1 million deaths yearly.

Statistic 60

Parkinson's 8.5 million globally, incidence rising 160% since 1990.

Statistic 61

Chronic liver disease kills 2 million yearly, 50% alcohol-related.

Statistic 62

Multiple sclerosis prevalence 2.8 million worldwide.

Statistic 63

Sepsis affects 49 million yearly, 11 million deaths (20%).

Statistic 64

Influenza pandemics historically kill 290k-650k respiratory deaths yearly.

Statistic 65

COVID-19 cumulative 7 million deaths reported, excess 15-20 million.

Statistic 66

Rheumatoid arthritis increases mortality 1.5-2-fold vs general pop.

Statistic 67

Vaccination prevents 2-3 million deaths yearly from vaccine-preventable diseases.

Statistic 68

Antimicrobial resistance causes 1.27 million deaths directly in 2019.

Statistic 69

Dengue 400 million infections yearly, 40,000 deaths.

Statistic 70

Chlamydia 129 million new cases yearly globally.

Statistic 71

Non-communicable diseases cause 41 million deaths yearly, 74% global deaths.

Statistic 72

Global obesity tripled since 1975, 1.9 billion overweight, 650 million obese in 2016.

Statistic 73

US adult obesity rate 42.4% in 2017-2020, severe obesity 9.2%.

Statistic 74

Type 2 diabetes affects 462 million adults globally, projected 700 million by 2045.

Statistic 75

Vitamin D deficiency prevalent in 40-100% by region, linked to metabolic syndrome.

Statistic 76

Iron deficiency anemia affects 1.92 billion people, 40% women of reproductive age.

Statistic 77

Iodine deficiency causes 2 billion at risk, impairing child development.

Statistic 78

Sodium intake exceeds 2g/day in 99% global population, raising BP.

Statistic 79

Fruit/veg <5 servings/day in 77% world population.

Statistic 80

US sugar-sweetened beverage intake averages 145 kcal/day adults.

Statistic 81

Malnutrition causes 45% under-5 deaths, 149 million stunted.

Statistic 82

Omega-3 deficiency common, linked to 8% CVD deaths.

Statistic 83

Protein intake <0.8g/kg ideal body weight risks sarcopenia in elderly.

Statistic 84

Fiber intake averages 15g/day vs recommended 25-30g.

Statistic 85

Calcium intake <1000mg/day in 90% US women over 50.

Statistic 86

Mediterranean diet adherence reduces T2D risk by 52%.

Statistic 87

Intermittent fasting improves insulin sensitivity by 20-31%.

Statistic 88

Bariatric surgery leads to 50-70% excess weight loss, remitting T2D in 60-80%.

Statistic 89

Plant-based diets lower BMI by 1.7 kg/m² on average.

Statistic 90

Folate deficiency in 20% global population, raising neural tube defects.

Statistic 91

Global osteoporosis affects 200 million women, with 9 million fractures yearly.

Statistic 92

US adults with arthritis: 53 million (23%), limiting 8 million daily activities.

Statistic 93

Low back pain affects 619 million globally, projected to 843 million by 2050.

Statistic 94

Rheumatoid arthritis prevalence 0.5-1% worldwide, 3:1 female:male ratio.

Statistic 95

Osteoarthritis knee prevalence 16% in US adults 45+, rising to 30% at 65+.

Statistic 96

Sarcopenia affects 10% community-dwelling older adults, up to 50% in long-term care.

Statistic 97

Gout prevalence 3.9% US adults, 5.9 million cases.

Statistic 98

Fibromyalgia impacts 2-8% population, 80-90% women.

Statistic 99

US hip fractures: 300,000 yearly, 90% in 65+.

Statistic 100

Ankylosing spondylitis prevalence 0.1-1.4%, higher in males.

Statistic 101

Plantar fasciitis incidence 10 per 1,000 yearly, peak 40-60 years.

Statistic 102

Rotator cuff tears in asymptomatic 40+: 20-54% prevalence on MRI.

Statistic 103

Psoriatic arthritis affects 30% of psoriasis patients, prevalence 0.1-1%.

Statistic 104

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis incidence 16 per 100,000 children under 16.

Statistic 105

Bone density loss: 1-2% yearly post-menopause without treatment.

Statistic 106

Carpal tunnel syndrome lifetime risk 10% women, 3% men.

Statistic 107

Physical activity halves hip fracture risk in older women.

Statistic 108

Weight-bearing exercise increases bone mineral density by 1-3% yearly.

Statistic 109

Vitamin D deficiency (<20 ng/mL) in 42% US population, linked to falls.

Statistic 110

Methotrexate reduces RA radiographic progression by 70%.

Statistic 111

Hip replacement lasts 15-20 years in 80-90% cases.

Statistic 112

Grip strength predicts mortality, with 1kg loss raising risk 16% in men.

Statistic 113

COPD affects 384 million people globally, causing 3 million deaths yearly or 5% of all deaths.

Statistic 114

Asthma impacts 262 million people worldwide, leading to 455,000 deaths in 2019.

Statistic 115

Pneumonia is the single largest infectious cause of death in children under 5, killing 740,180 in 2019.

Statistic 116

US adults with current asthma: 8.4% or 24.9 million, with 11.5 deaths per million.

Statistic 117

Smoking causes 80-90% of COPD deaths, with 1.8 billion tobacco users globally.

Statistic 118

Air pollution leads to 6.7 million premature deaths yearly, 25% from respiratory diseases.

Statistic 119

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis prevalence is 13-20 per 100,000, median survival 3-5 years post-diagnosis.

Statistic 120

Sleep apnea affects 936 million adults aged 30-69 globally, with 425 million having moderate-severe OSA.

Statistic 121

Cystic fibrosis impacts 70,000-100,000 people worldwide, with median survival now 50+ years.

Statistic 122

Tuberculosis causes 1.3 million deaths yearly, with 10 million new cases.

Statistic 123

US COPD prevalence: 6.4% adults or 16 million, higher in current smokers (12.1%).

Statistic 124

Interstitial lung disease includes 200+ disorders, with incidence 30 per 100,000 yearly.

Statistic 125

Bronchiectasis prevalence 70 per 100,000 in Europe, rising with age.

Statistic 126

Pulmonary embolism incidence 60-70 per 100,000 yearly in US, mortality 10-30% if untreated.

Statistic 127

Lung cancer kills 1.8 million yearly, 85% linked to smoking.

Statistic 128

Influenza causes 290,000-650,000 respiratory deaths yearly globally.

Statistic 129

RSV leads to 33,000 deaths yearly in US adults 65+.

Statistic 130

Sarcoidosis prevalence 10-40 per 100,000, more common in women and African Americans.

Statistic 131

Pulmonary hypertension prevalence 15-50 per million, with group 1 PAH at 5-15 per million.

Statistic 132

Inhaler misuse occurs in 50-90% of asthma/COPD patients, worsening control.

Statistic 133

Oxygen therapy reduces mortality by 40% in severe COPD exacerbations.

Statistic 134

Pulmonary rehab improves 6-minute walk distance by 45 meters on average.

Statistic 135

Smoking cessation reduces lung cancer risk by 50% after 10 years.

Statistic 136

Long COVID respiratory symptoms persist in 20-30% of cases 12 months post-infection.

Statistic 137

Peak expiratory flow variability >20% indicates poor asthma control.

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While cardiovascular diseases claim nearly 18 million lives each year, a sobering 47% of US adults have uncontrolled high blood pressure—a silent harbinger of risk that most can actively manage, yet few do.

Key Takeaways

Globally, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) cause 17.9 million deaths annually, accounting for 32% of all global deaths, with 85% due to heart attacks and strokes.
In the US, heart disease is the leading cause of death, killing about 695,000 people in 2021, or one in every five deaths.
High blood pressure affects 1.28 billion adults aged 30-79 worldwide, with two-thirds living in low- and middle-income countries.
COPD affects 384 million people globally, causing 3 million deaths yearly or 5% of all deaths.
Asthma impacts 262 million people worldwide, leading to 455,000 deaths in 2019.
Pneumonia is the single largest infectious cause of death in children under 5, killing 740,180 in 2019.
Global osteoporosis affects 200 million women, with 9 million fractures yearly.
US adults with arthritis: 53 million (23%), limiting 8 million daily activities.
Low back pain affects 619 million globally, projected to 843 million by 2050.
Global obesity tripled since 1975, 1.9 billion overweight, 650 million obese in 2016.
US adult obesity rate 42.4% in 2017-2020, severe obesity 9.2%.
Type 2 diabetes affects 462 million adults globally, projected 700 million by 2045.
Global adults insufficiently active: 27%, 1.4 billion.
US adults meeting aerobic + muscle guidelines: 23.2%.
Sedentary time >8 hours/day raises mortality risk 15%.

Cardiovascular diseases are the world's leading cause of death, killing millions annually.

Cardiovascular Health

Globally, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) cause 17.9 million deaths annually, accounting for 32% of all global deaths, with 85% due to heart attacks and strokes.
In the US, heart disease is the leading cause of death, killing about 695,000 people in 2021, or one in every five deaths.
High blood pressure affects 1.28 billion adults aged 30-79 worldwide, with two-thirds living in low- and middle-income countries.
Stroke kills 6.55 million people annually worldwide, and is the second leading cause of death.
Atrial fibrillation prevalence is estimated at 2-3% in adults over 65, increasing stroke risk by 5-fold.
Coronary heart disease affects 18.2 million US adults, with 805,000 experiencing a new or recurrent heart attack yearly.
Smoking causes about 1.8 million deaths yearly from CVDs globally.
Physical inactivity contributes to 6% of coronary heart disease cases worldwide.
Diabetes doubles the risk of cardiovascular disease, affecting 422 million adults globally.
LDL cholesterol levels above 190 mg/dL increase heart disease risk by 10-fold in some populations.
Heart failure affects 6.2 million US adults aged 20+, with prevalence rising to 9.5% in those 65+.
Globally, 1 in 100 people over 65 have peripheral artery disease, causing leg pain and amputation risk.
Rheumatic heart disease kills 288,000 people yearly, mostly in low-income countries.
US adults with hypertension: 47%, but only 1 in 4 have it under control.
Endothelial dysfunction precedes atherosclerosis, with 50% of CVD events linked to it.
Chronic kidney disease increases CVD mortality risk by 10-50 times.
Air pollution causes 4.2 million premature deaths yearly from stroke, heart disease, etc.
Women have 20-30% higher lifetime risk of stroke than men in high-income countries.
Sudden cardiac death occurs in 350,000-450,000 US cases yearly, mostly from ventricular arrhythmias.
Obesity raises heart failure risk by 35% per 5-unit BMI increase.
Alcohol consumption above 14g/day increases hypertension risk by 20%.
South Asians have 2-4 times higher coronary artery calcium score progression.
Wearable ECG detects atrial fibrillation with 98.1% sensitivity in clinical trials.
Framingham Risk Score predicts 10-year CVD risk with C-statistic of 0.76 in men, 0.79 in women.
Statins reduce major vascular events by 21% per 1 mmol/L LDL reduction.
Aspirin reduces nonfatal MI by 34% in secondary prevention.
Cardiac rehab post-MI reduces mortality by 20-30%.
Mediterranean diet lowers CVD events by 30% in high-risk individuals.
Yoga reduces systolic BP by 5 mmHg on average in hypertensives.
Global prevalence of hypertension in adults is 30-45%.

Cardiovascular Health Interpretation

It’s tragically ironic that the human heart, so central to poetry and song, is under relentless and preventable siege by our own modern lifestyles.

Exercise and Fitness

Global adults insufficiently active: 27%, 1.4 billion.
US adults meeting aerobic + muscle guidelines: 23.2%.
Sedentary time >8 hours/day raises mortality risk 15%.
Resistance training 2x/week reduces all-cause mortality 40%.
150 min moderate aerobic exercise/week cuts CVD risk 14%.
HIIT improves VO2max by 5-10% more than MICT in meta-analyses.
Walking 10,000 steps/day linked to 46% lower premature mortality.
Yoga reduces chronic low back pain by 60% short-term.
Strength training increases muscle mass 1-2kg in 12 weeks untrained.
Exercise adherence drops to 50% after 6 months in programs.
Children <1h screen time/day, 60 min activity recommended.
Balance training reduces falls 24% in elderly.
Cycling commuters have 15% lower cancer, 24% lower CVD risk.
Sleep 7-9 hours/night optimizes exercise recovery.
Fitness trackers improve activity by 1,200 steps/day initially.
Tai Chi improves knee OA pain by 24 points on VAS.
VO2max declines 1%/year after 30, 50% faster if inactive.
Group exercise boosts adherence 20-30% vs solo.
Acute exercise increases BDNF 20-30%, aiding neuroplasticity.
Cancer survivors exercising meet guidelines 37% vs 53% general pop.

Exercise and Fitness Interpretation

Here's a grimly ironic twist: our bodies are spectacularly engineered for movement—with overwhelming evidence that even modest doses of activity slash mortality, prevent disease, and repair both mind and body—yet we seem to have collectively agreed to engineer it right out of our lives, preferring the mortal risks of stillness to the vibrant hassle of motion.

Infectious and Chronic Diseases

Global cancer burden: 20 million new cases, 10 million deaths in 2022.
HIV causes 630,000 deaths in 2022, 39 million living with it.
TB incidence 10.6 million new cases in 2022, 1.3 million deaths.
Malaria kills 608,000 yearly, mostly African children under 5.
Chronic kidney disease 7th leading cause of death globally, 3.1 million deaths.
Alzheimer's/dementia affects 55 million, 10 million new cases yearly.
Liver cirrhosis from alcohol kills 500,000 yearly.
US opioid overdose deaths 81,806 in 2022.
Hepatitis B chronic 296 million, causing 1.1 million deaths yearly.
Parkinson's 8.5 million globally, incidence rising 160% since 1990.
Chronic liver disease kills 2 million yearly, 50% alcohol-related.
Multiple sclerosis prevalence 2.8 million worldwide.
Sepsis affects 49 million yearly, 11 million deaths (20%).
Influenza pandemics historically kill 290k-650k respiratory deaths yearly.
COVID-19 cumulative 7 million deaths reported, excess 15-20 million.
Rheumatoid arthritis increases mortality 1.5-2-fold vs general pop.
Vaccination prevents 2-3 million deaths yearly from vaccine-preventable diseases.
Antimicrobial resistance causes 1.27 million deaths directly in 2019.
Dengue 400 million infections yearly, 40,000 deaths.
Chlamydia 129 million new cases yearly globally.
Non-communicable diseases cause 41 million deaths yearly, 74% global deaths.

Infectious and Chronic Diseases Interpretation

While these stark figures reveal a world perpetually at war with disease, they also quietly testify to the staggering, often forgotten victories of modern medicine, which in the same breath prevents millions of deaths even as it tallies the millions lost.

Metabolic and Nutritional Health

Global obesity tripled since 1975, 1.9 billion overweight, 650 million obese in 2016.
US adult obesity rate 42.4% in 2017-2020, severe obesity 9.2%.
Type 2 diabetes affects 462 million adults globally, projected 700 million by 2045.
Vitamin D deficiency prevalent in 40-100% by region, linked to metabolic syndrome.
Iron deficiency anemia affects 1.92 billion people, 40% women of reproductive age.
Iodine deficiency causes 2 billion at risk, impairing child development.
Sodium intake exceeds 2g/day in 99% global population, raising BP.
Fruit/veg <5 servings/day in 77% world population.
US sugar-sweetened beverage intake averages 145 kcal/day adults.
Malnutrition causes 45% under-5 deaths, 149 million stunted.
Omega-3 deficiency common, linked to 8% CVD deaths.
Protein intake <0.8g/kg ideal body weight risks sarcopenia in elderly.
Fiber intake averages 15g/day vs recommended 25-30g.
Calcium intake <1000mg/day in 90% US women over 50.
Mediterranean diet adherence reduces T2D risk by 52%.
Intermittent fasting improves insulin sensitivity by 20-31%.
Bariatric surgery leads to 50-70% excess weight loss, remitting T2D in 60-80%.
Plant-based diets lower BMI by 1.7 kg/m² on average.
Folate deficiency in 20% global population, raising neural tube defects.

Metabolic and Nutritional Health Interpretation

The grim arithmetic of modern eating is a global tragedy: while the planet groans under the weight of our collective waistlines, half our children wither from lack of food, and billions more are being quietly eroded from the inside out by what we have too much of—and what we don't have nearly enough of.

Musculoskeletal Health

Global osteoporosis affects 200 million women, with 9 million fractures yearly.
US adults with arthritis: 53 million (23%), limiting 8 million daily activities.
Low back pain affects 619 million globally, projected to 843 million by 2050.
Rheumatoid arthritis prevalence 0.5-1% worldwide, 3:1 female:male ratio.
Osteoarthritis knee prevalence 16% in US adults 45+, rising to 30% at 65+.
Sarcopenia affects 10% community-dwelling older adults, up to 50% in long-term care.
Gout prevalence 3.9% US adults, 5.9 million cases.
Fibromyalgia impacts 2-8% population, 80-90% women.
US hip fractures: 300,000 yearly, 90% in 65+.
Ankylosing spondylitis prevalence 0.1-1.4%, higher in males.
Plantar fasciitis incidence 10 per 1,000 yearly, peak 40-60 years.
Rotator cuff tears in asymptomatic 40+: 20-54% prevalence on MRI.
Psoriatic arthritis affects 30% of psoriasis patients, prevalence 0.1-1%.
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis incidence 16 per 100,000 children under 16.
Bone density loss: 1-2% yearly post-menopause without treatment.
Carpal tunnel syndrome lifetime risk 10% women, 3% men.
Physical activity halves hip fracture risk in older women.
Weight-bearing exercise increases bone mineral density by 1-3% yearly.
Vitamin D deficiency (<20 ng/mL) in 42% US population, linked to falls.
Methotrexate reduces RA radiographic progression by 70%.
Hip replacement lasts 15-20 years in 80-90% cases.
Grip strength predicts mortality, with 1kg loss raising risk 16% in men.

Musculoskeletal Health Interpretation

The human body's user manual seems to favor a brutal subscription model, where the annual fees are paid in pain, stiffness, and fractures, but the fine print clearly states that exercise, vitamin D, and early treatment can renegotiate the terms.

Respiratory Health

COPD affects 384 million people globally, causing 3 million deaths yearly or 5% of all deaths.
Asthma impacts 262 million people worldwide, leading to 455,000 deaths in 2019.
Pneumonia is the single largest infectious cause of death in children under 5, killing 740,180 in 2019.
US adults with current asthma: 8.4% or 24.9 million, with 11.5 deaths per million.
Smoking causes 80-90% of COPD deaths, with 1.8 billion tobacco users globally.
Air pollution leads to 6.7 million premature deaths yearly, 25% from respiratory diseases.
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis prevalence is 13-20 per 100,000, median survival 3-5 years post-diagnosis.
Sleep apnea affects 936 million adults aged 30-69 globally, with 425 million having moderate-severe OSA.
Cystic fibrosis impacts 70,000-100,000 people worldwide, with median survival now 50+ years.
Tuberculosis causes 1.3 million deaths yearly, with 10 million new cases.
US COPD prevalence: 6.4% adults or 16 million, higher in current smokers (12.1%).
Interstitial lung disease includes 200+ disorders, with incidence 30 per 100,000 yearly.
Bronchiectasis prevalence 70 per 100,000 in Europe, rising with age.
Pulmonary embolism incidence 60-70 per 100,000 yearly in US, mortality 10-30% if untreated.
Lung cancer kills 1.8 million yearly, 85% linked to smoking.
Influenza causes 290,000-650,000 respiratory deaths yearly globally.
RSV leads to 33,000 deaths yearly in US adults 65+.
Sarcoidosis prevalence 10-40 per 100,000, more common in women and African Americans.
Pulmonary hypertension prevalence 15-50 per million, with group 1 PAH at 5-15 per million.
Inhaler misuse occurs in 50-90% of asthma/COPD patients, worsening control.
Oxygen therapy reduces mortality by 40% in severe COPD exacerbations.
Pulmonary rehab improves 6-minute walk distance by 45 meters on average.
Smoking cessation reduces lung cancer risk by 50% after 10 years.
Long COVID respiratory symptoms persist in 20-30% of cases 12 months post-infection.
Peak expiratory flow variability >20% indicates poor asthma control.

Respiratory Health Interpretation

While our lungs valiantly process the breath of life, they wage a silent war against a global siege of smoke, smog, pathogens, and our own neglect, turning every inhale into a statistical gamble with sobering mortality odds.

Sources & References

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