When it comes to health, the focus on new crises can sometimes overshadow the enduring issues that impact lives across the globe. While COVID-19 has been a recent, undeniable threat, it’s also an outlier in the long-term view of public health data. For a clearer picture of what consistently affects people year after year, it helps to look at other top causes of death, the conditions and diseases that claim millions of lives, even outside the pandemic’s impact.
This list, based on a 2021 analysis by Visual Capitalist, highlights the leading causes of death around the world, giving us insight into ongoing health challenges. We’ll set aside COVID-19 for this rundown to keep the focus on these recurring risks. They’re the health hurdles that communities everywhere grapple with, shaping healthcare priorities and often revealing disparities in access to care.
So, if you’ve ever wondered about the major health threats worldwide, let’s take a closer look at the leading causes of death. As we do, keep in mind that awareness and action can make a world of difference in tackling many of these.
1. Ischemic Heart Disease (Coronary Artery Disease)
With nearly 9 million lives lost every year, ischemic heart disease, which causes angina and heart attacks, tops the list. This disease process restricts blood flow to the heart, leading to heart muscle damage over time.
Diet, exercise, and genetics all play their roles, but access to timely care can make a big difference in many cases. In some regions, heart disease prevention and treatment are prioritized, while in others, such care is still out of reach for many.
2. Stroke
Strokes are the second leading cause of death, affecting millions each year. A stroke occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain is interrupted, causing potential long-term damage if not treated quickly.
Recognizing stroke signs like sudden weakness, slurred speech, and dizziness can save lives, but timely access to emergency care remains a crucial factor in outcomes. Unfortunately, those in low-income areas often face higher risks and fewer resources.
3. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Affecting the lungs, COPD includes diseases like emphysema and chronic bronchitis, and it’s especially common in areas with high smoking rates or pollution. The disease gradually restricts airflow, making even basic activities tough.
While smoking and air quality are major contributors, this condition can still affect anyone. Managing COPD requires medical care, but prevention, quitting smoking and improving air quality, remains the best defense.
4. Lower Respiratory Infections
From pneumonia to bronchitis, lower respiratory infections are still major killers, especially among the very young and elderly. Overcrowded living conditions, lack of clean water, and limited healthcare access all play into this.
Keeping up to date with vaccinations for viral infections like whooping cough and the flu, as well as practicing good hygiene, can help reduce these risks. However, for many, these basic protections are hard to come by, particularly in lower-income areas.
5. Neonatal Conditions
The vulnerability of newborns is a major reason neonatal conditions rank so high, particularly in less developed countries. Complications from preterm birth, birth trauma, and infections are all too common and often preventable with better healthcare.
These statistics are a stark reminder of the importance of maternal care. Even basic improvements in newborn health services could save millions of young lives every year.
6. Trachea, Bronchus, and Lung Cancers
Lung-related cancers, including those of the trachea and bronchus, claim millions of lives annually. Smoking remains a leading cause, but factors like air pollution and genetics also play a part.
Countries that have invested in preventative programs to help reduce smoking have seen a steady decline in the rates of lung cancer. However, early detection and accessible care can significantly improve outcomes for those affected.
7. Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementias
As people live longer, more are being affected by Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. This condition gradually impairs memory and cognitive functions, deeply affecting families and communities.
While there’s no cure, early diagnosis can make managing the disease easier. Dementia cases highlight the growing need for better support systems for both patients and caregivers worldwide.
8. Diabetes Mellitus
Diabetes, particularly Type 2, affects millions globally and can lead to severe complications if left unmanaged. Diet, exercise, and genetics are all factors, but early diagnosis and treatment can make a huge difference.
Unfortunately, for many, diabetes remains a “silent” disease due to a lack of awareness or access to healthcare. Education to empower people to enact lifestyle changes and manage their medication can help prevent complications.
9. Kidney Diseases
Linked closely with conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure, kidney disease can lead to kidney failure if not properly managed. Treatments like dialysis and transplants are available but complicated and costly.
Prevention efforts, especially managing related conditions and ensuring regular checkups, are vital for those at risk of kidney disease.
10. Liver Diseases
Liver disease, which includes conditions like cirrhosis and hepatitis, is especially prevalent in areas with high alcohol use or limited access to clean healthcare facilities.
Preventing liver disease often means addressing substance abuse and increasing access to hepatitis vaccines. Both steps can lead to a significant reduction in liver disease cases.
11. Road Injury
Road injuries, often fatal, are a major global health issue. Young people are especially vulnerable, with traffic accidents claiming millions of lives each year.
Simple solutions like seatbelt use, helmet laws, and improved infrastructure can significantly reduce road-related deaths. However, these safety measures aren’t always enforced everywhere and involve governments investing in expensive health awareness programs to educate the population.
12. Hypertensive Heart Disease
Caused by high blood pressure, hypertensive heart disease gradually damages the heart over time. Left untreated, it can lead to serious complications like heart failure.
Regular checkups and medications can help manage blood pressure, but not everyone can access these resources. Raising awareness about heart health is essential to lower these risks.
13. Self-Harm
Mental health plays a significant role in self-harm and suicide rates worldwide. Societies with strong mental health resources see fewer cases, but stigma and lack of resources remain barriers.
Promoting mental health awareness to reduce stigma and making resources more accessible can make a significant impact on lowering self-harm statistics.
14. Stomach Cancer
Stomach cancer, often linked to factors like diet and infection, is one of the deadliest cancers. Ultimately, smaller gastric cancers are considered more survivable, so early detection drastically improves survival rates.
Health promotions encouraging people to get regular checkups, particularly for high-risk individuals, is essential in combating stomach cancer.
15. HIV/AIDS
Though we’ve made progress in managing HIV/AIDS, it’s still a leading cause of death, especially in third-world countries where access to diagnosis and treatment is limited. Antiretroviral therapy has transformed this condition into a manageable one for many.
Awareness, affordable treatment, and testing are essential in preventing and managing HIV/AIDS effectively.
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With an honors degree in financial engineering, Omega Ukama deeply understands finance. Before pursuing journalism, he honed his skills at a private equity firm, giving him invaluable real-world experience. This combination of financial literacy and journalistic flair allows him to translate complex financial matters into clear and concise insights for his readers.
