Leading Causes of Death
The leading causes of death globally and in various countries are a reflection of the health challenges that populations face. These causes can be broadly categorized into communicable diseases, non-communicable diseases, and injuries.
Global Causes of Death
1. Ischaemic Heart Disease: This is the world’s biggest killer, responsible for 16% of the world’s total deaths. The number of deaths from this disease has been rising, with an increase of more than 2 million to 8.9 million deaths in 2019.
2. Stroke: Stroke is the second leading cause of death, responsible for approximately 11% of total deaths.
3. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): COPD is the third leading cause of death, responsible for approximately 6% of total deaths.
4. Lower Respiratory Infections: These infections are the world’s most deadly communicable disease, ranked as the fourth leading cause of death.
5. Neonatal Conditions: These conditions, which include birth asphyxia and birth trauma, neonatal sepsis and infections, and preterm birth complications, are the fifth leading cause of death.
6. Trachea, Bronchus, and Lung Cancers: Deaths from these cancers have risen from 1.2 million to 1.8 million and are now ranked sixth among leading causes of death.
7. Alzheimers Disease and Other Forms of Dementia: Ranked as the seventh leading cause of death, women are disproportionately affected by these conditions.
8. Diarrhoeal Diseases: There has been a significant decline in the number of deaths from these diseases, falling from 2.6 million in 2000 to 1.5 million in 2019.
9. Diabetes: Diabetes has entered the top 10 causes of death, following a significant percentage increase of 70% since 2000.
10. HIV/AIDS: Deaths from HIV/AIDS have fallen by 51% during the last 20 years, moving from the worlds eighth leading cause of death in 2000 to the 19th in 2019.
Leading Causes of Death in Canada
In Canada, the leading causes of death include malignant neoplasms, diseases of the heart, COVID-19, accidents (unintentional injuries), cerebrovascular diseases (stroke), chronic lower respiratory diseases, diabetes mellitus, influenza and pneumonia, Alzheimer’s disease, and chronic liver disease and cirrhosis.
Leading Causes of Death in the United States
In the United States, the leading causes of death include heart disease, cancer, unintentional injuries, chronic lower respiratory disease, stroke and cerebrovascular diseases, Alzheimer’s disease, and diabetes.
Understanding these leading causes of death is crucial for public health planning and disease prevention efforts. It helps in the allocation of resources and the development of strategies to reduce mortality and improve health outcomes.
