1 cause of death in the world
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Leading Cause of Death Worldwide: Cardiovascular Disease
Cardiovascular Disease as the Primary Cause of Death
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death globally, accounting for a significant portion of mortality rates across various regions. In 2010, CVD was responsible for 17.3 million deaths annually, a figure projected to rise to over 23.6 million by 20304. This trend underscores the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) as the primary health challenge worldwide.
Global Burden and Regional Disparities
The impact of CVD is particularly pronounced in low- and middle-income countries, where 80% of these deaths occur, often at younger ages compared to high-income countries4. This disparity is exacerbated by limited healthcare resources and inadequate investment in preventive measures. The epidemiological transition from infectious diseases to NCDs, including CVD, highlights the need for targeted health policies and interventions8.
Comparative Mortality Rates
Ischaemic heart disease (IHD) and stroke are the most prevalent forms of CVD, collectively causing 12.9 million deaths in 2010, which equates to one in four deaths worldwide2. IHD alone was responsible for 7.2 million deaths in 2008, making it the single largest cause of death globally10. The mortality rates for IHD are significantly higher in low- and middle-income countries, reflecting the broader trend of increasing CVD burden in these regions10.
Non-Communicable Diseases and the Shift in Mortality Patterns
The shift from communicable to non-communicable diseases as the leading causes of death is evident in the global mortality data. In 1990, communicable, maternal, neonatal, and nutritional causes accounted for 34.1% of deaths, but this figure dropped to 24.9% by 20102. This decline is largely due to reductions in deaths from diarrhoeal diseases, lower respiratory infections, and neonatal disorders. However, deaths from NCDs, including CVD, have risen, now accounting for two out of every three deaths worldwide2.
The Role of Stroke in Global Mortality
Stroke remains the second-leading cause of death globally, contributing significantly to the overall burden of CVD. From 1990 to 2019, the number of stroke cases and related deaths increased substantially, with the majority of the burden residing in lower-income and lower-middle-income countries7. This increase highlights the need for comprehensive strategies to address stroke prevention and management, particularly in resource-limited settings.
Conclusion
Cardiovascular disease, particularly ischaemic heart disease and stroke, stands as the leading cause of death worldwide. The burden of CVD is disproportionately higher in low- and middle-income countries, necessitating urgent and sustained efforts to improve healthcare infrastructure and implement effective prevention strategies. As the global population continues to age and urbanize, addressing the risk factors associated with CVD will be crucial in reducing its impact on global health.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Mortality by cause for eight regions of the world: Global Burden of Disease Study
The leading causes of death in 1990 were communicable, perinatal, and nutritional disorders, with non-communicable diseases being major public health challenges in all regions.
Observational Study
Highly CitedGlobal and regional mortality from 235 causes of death for 20 age groups in 1990 and 2010: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2010
In 2010, communicable, maternal, neonatal, and nutritional causes accounted for 24.9% of global deaths, down from 34.1% in 1990, mainly due to decreases in diarrhoeal disease mortality.
Observational Study
Rigorous JournalHighly CitedGlobal and regional causes of death.
Ischemic heart disease and cerebrovascular disease are the leading causes of death globally, with AIDS and TB being the sixth and seventh most common causes, and injury mortality being highest in South-East Asia, Latin America, and the Eastern Mediterranean region.
Highly CitedOur time: a call to save preventable death from cardiovascular disease (heart disease and stroke).
Preventable death from cardiovascular disease is crucial, as it accounts for 17.3 million deaths per year and is expected to reach 23.6 million by 2030, with 80% of these deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries.
The ever‐increasing importance of cancer as a leading cause of premature death worldwide
Cancer is rapidly becoming the leading cause of premature death in 57 countries, surpassing cardiovascular disease as the leading cause in 70 countries, and governments must consider these trends in developing cancer policies.
Rigorous JournalHighly CitedOur time: a call to save preventable death from cardiovascular disease (heart disease and stroke).
Investment in sustainable health policies is crucial to prevent and control cardiovascular disease, which is the No. 1 global cause of death and is expected to double by 2030.
Rigorous JournalHighly CitedWorld Stroke Organization (WSO): Global Stroke Fact Sheet 2022
From 1990 to 2019, stroke burden increased substantially, with 86.0% of deaths and 89.0% of DALYs residing in lower-income and lower-middle-income countries.
Rigorous JournalHighly CitedCardiovascular Disease in the Developing World and Its Cost-Effective Management
CVD is the leading cause of death worldwide, with 80% of the burden occurring in developing countries, and cost-effective interventions are crucial for managing this disease in these regions.
Highly CitedPulmonary diseases: first cause of mortality in the world.
Respiratory illnesses, including pneumonia, TB, and cancer in the respiratory system, account for 17% of all deaths and should be the top cause of death in the world.
Mortality from ischaemic heart disease by country, region, and age: Statistics from World Health Organisation and United Nations
Ischemic heart disease (IHD) is the leading cause of death worldwide, with low-and-middle income countries now accounting for more than 80% of global deaths, but high income countries have seen a decline in age-standardised mortality rates.
Observational StudyRigorous JournalHighly Cited