Most common causes of natural death
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Most Common Causes of Natural Death: Cardiovascular Disease and Other Key Factors
Cardiovascular Disease as the Leading Cause of Natural Death
Across multiple studies, cardiovascular disease—especially ischaemic heart disease and coronary artery disease—consistently emerges as the most common cause of natural death in adults. In a large community study, ischaemic heart disease accounted for 59% of sudden natural deaths, making it the single largest cause identified . Similarly, retrospective autopsy studies from tertiary care hospitals in India found that cardiac causes were responsible for 44% to 45.27% of sudden natural deaths, with chronic coronary insufficiency and coronary artery disease being the most frequent specific diagnoses 234. These findings were consistent across different age groups, with a notable predominance in adult males and individuals in their 30s to 60s 234.
Other Major Causes: Gastrointestinal, Respiratory, and Neurological Diseases
While heart disease is the leading cause, other organ systems also contribute significantly to natural deaths. Gastrointestinal diseases accounted for 20% to 22% of cases in some studies, followed by respiratory system diseases (18%) and central nervous system causes (14%) 23. Non-cardiac causes such as pulmonary emboli, aortic aneurysms, and intracerebral hemorrhage were also significant, collectively responsible for about 27.6% of sudden natural deaths in one large study .
Sudden Natural Deaths in Children and Adolescents
In younger populations, the pattern differs. Among children and adolescents, common infectious diseases like bronchopneumonia, myocarditis, and acute epiglottiditis were leading causes of sudden natural death. Chronic diseases such as epilepsy and bronchial asthma also contributed, while chronic heart disease was less common but still present .
Demographic Patterns and Risk Factors
Most studies report a higher incidence of natural deaths among males and adults in the 31–60 year age range 234. Urban residents and married individuals also showed higher rates, possibly due to lifestyle factors and stress 23.
Rare and Unexplained Cases
A small percentage of natural deaths remain unexplained even after thorough autopsy, accounting for about 3.4% in one study . Alcohol-related deaths were also noted but were relatively rare (2.8%) .
Conclusion
Cardiovascular disease, particularly ischaemic and coronary artery disease, is the most common cause of natural death in adults, followed by gastrointestinal, respiratory, and neurological conditions. In children and adolescents, infectious diseases are more prominent. Demographic factors such as age, sex, and urban living may influence risk. While most natural deaths can be attributed to identifiable medical causes, a small proportion remain unexplained even after detailed investigation 12346.
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