Death may be inevitable, but there are plenty of efforts we can make to help us enjoy longer, healthier lives. By understanding the health risks that are the most prevalent in our communities, we can be more proactive on a personal level and empower others to do so as well. To help with that goal, the team at NYRequirements.com has created this visual guide to the leading causes of death by country and average life expectancy by country. As the most common cause of death by country is often heart disease, we also delve more into the causes of heart disease and how to reduce heart disease risk below. For now, let’s learn about the biggest causes of death globally:

Click here to view PDF mobile version of the chart.

What Is the Leading Cause of Death in the World?

The leading cause of death globally is cardiovascular disease.

How Many People Die From Heart Disease Each Year?

Cardiovascular diseases cause an estimated 17.9 million deaths per year, most often (4 out of 5) through heart attack and stroke. One third of these deaths occur prematurely, or under the age of 70.

Why Is Heart Disease the Number One Cause of Death in the World?

An impressive report titled “The Global Burden of Cardiovascular Diseases and Risk: A Compass for Future Health” found that “modifiable global cardiovascular risk factors” include ambient air pollution, household air pollution, lead exposure, high or low temperature, high blood pressure and cholesterol, high body mass index, kidney dysfunction, dietary risks, tobacco smoking, secondhand smoking, high alcohol use, and low physical activity. The study, which was published by the American College of Cardiology Foundation in collaboration with the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, provided a list of the top preventable causes of heart disease by number of deaths in 2021:

1. High systolic blood pressure — 10,800,000
2. Dietary risks — 6,580,000
3. High low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol — 3,810,000
4. Ambient particulate matter pollution — 3,130,000
5. Smoking — 2,370,000
6. High fasting plasma glucose — 2,300,000
7. High body mass index — 1,950,000
8. Kidney dysfunction — 1,870,000
9. Household air pollution from solid fuels — 1,610,000
10. Lead exposure — 1,570,000

Is Heart Disease Preventable?

Eighty percent of premature heart disease and strokes are preventable, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Risk factors for heart disease that can be managed include poor nutrition, physical inactivity, obesity, smoking, high blood pressure and cholesterol, and stress. A Lancet study found that poor diet is associated with 1 in 5 deaths globally, even more than tobacco and high blood pressure.

Here are some heart disease resources that explore additional statistics and tips on how to prevent heart disease:

• Preventing 1 Million Heart Attacks and Strokes — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Strategies to Prevent Heart Disease — Mayo Clinic
• Preventing Heart Disease — Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
• Eight Things You Can Do to Prevent Heart Disease and Stroke — American Heart Association
• Lifestyle Changes for Heart Attack Prevention — American Heart Association

What Is the Most Common Cause of Death in the United States?

The most common cause of death in America is coronary heart disease. One person dies from heart disease every 34 seconds and one person has a heart attack every 40 seconds in America. One in 5 heart attacks is silent, meaning that the damage is done but the person is unaware of it, so they may miss an important wake-up call to tend to their health. Heart disease deaths in the U.S. reached 697,000 in 2020, making 1 in 5 deaths attributable to heart disease.

What Is the Leading Cause of Death in India?

The most common cause of death in India is coronary heart disease. India also has one of the highest burdens of cardiovascular disease globally, accounting for 60% of the world’s heart disease burden. In 2016, which is the most recent data available for India heart disease deaths, the Indian Council of Medical Research reported that heart disease accounted for 28.1% of all deaths in the nation.

Why Is Heart Disease So Common in India?

The Indian Heart Association says that in addition to a genetic predisposition to metabolic deregulation and cardiomyopathy, a recent shift in modifiable risk factors such as increased consumption of red meats, saturated and trans fats, junk foods, higher stress, and more sedentary jobs all contribute to the prevalence of heart disease in Indians.

What Is the Leading Cause of Death in China?

The most common cause of death in China is stroke, which accounts for approximately 1 in 5 deaths in the nation. In 2020, the leading risk factor for stroke in China was hypertension. Despite declining stroke rates in most regions, the rate of stroke in China overall continues to increase.

Why Is Stroke So Common in China?

Hypertension is a serious issue in China, but medication that could help is often under-prescribed and many cases of atrial fibrillation (irregular and often rapid heart rhythm that can lead to blood clots and stroke) are improperly diagnosed. Higher rates of tobacco use also contribute heavily to the stroke crisis of China.

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