Conditions such as heart disease, stroke, and respiratory infections account for the majority of deaths each year around the world. Some preventive measures may help lower your risk.
When people think of the deadliest diseases in the world, their minds probably jump to the fast-acting, incurable ones that grab headlines from time to time. However, many of these types of diseases don’t rank in the top 10 causes of worldwide deaths.
An estimated 55.4 million peopleTrusted Source passed away worldwide in 2019, and 74% of these deaths were because of noncommunicable diseases, or chronic conditions that progress slowly.
Perhaps even more surprising is that several of the deadliest diseases are partially preventable. Non-preventable factors include where a person lives, access to preventive care, and quality of healthcare, all of which factor into risk.
But there are several steps that everyone can take to lower their risk.
Read on to see 10 of the deadliest diseases worldwide.
1. Ischemic heart disease, or coronary artery disease
The deadliest disease in the world is coronary artery disease (CAD).
Also called ischemic heart disease, CAD occursTrusted Source when the blood vessels that supply blood to the heart become narrowed. Untreated CAD can lead to chest pain, heart failure, and arrhythmias.
Impact of CAD across the world
Although it’s still the leading causeTrusted Source of death, mortality rates have declined in many European countries and in the United States.
This may be because of better public health education, access to healthcare, and other forms of prevention. However, in many developing nations, mortality rates for CAD are on the rise.
An increasing life span, socioeconomic changes, and lifestyle risk factors play a role in this rise.
Risk factors and prevention
Risk factors for CAD includeTrusted Source:
high blood pressure
high cholesterol
smoking
family history of CAD
diabetes
having overweight
Talk with a doctor or healthcare professional if you have one or more of these risk factors.
You can prevent CAD with medications and by taking steps to improve heart health. Some of the ways you can decrease your risk include:
exercising regularly
reaching or maintaining a moderate weight
eating a balanced diet that’s low in sodium and high in fruits and vegetables
avoiding smoking, if applicable
drinking only in moderation
2. Stroke
Signs and Symptoms of Stroke | Stroke | CDC
A stroke occurs when an artery in your brain is blocked or leaks. This causesTrusted Source the oxygen-deprived brain cells to begin dying within minutes.
During a stroke, you feel sudden numbness and confusion or have trouble walking and seeing. If left untreated, a stroke can cause long-term disability.
In fact, strokes are the leading causeTrusted Source of long-term disabilities. People who receive treatment within 3 hours of having a stroke are less likely to have disabilities.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that one survey found that 93% of people knew sudden numbness on one side was a symptom of stroke. However, only 38% knew all the symptoms that would prompt them to look for emergency care.
Risk factors and prevention
Risk factors for stroke includeTrusted Source:
high blood pressure
family history of stroke
smoking, especially when combined with oral contraceptives
being African American
being female
Some risk factors of strokes can be lowered with preventive care, medications, and lifestyle changes. In general, good health habits can lowerTrusted Source your risk.
Stroke prevention methods may include controlling high blood pressure with medications. You should also maintain a healthy lifestyle, complete with regular exercise and a balanced diet that’s low in sodium.
If you smoke, consider quitting and drink only in moderation, as these activities increase your risk of stroke.
3. Lower respiratory infections
Lower respiratory tract infection | HARTMANN SCIENCE CENTER
A lower respiratory infection is an infection in your airways and lungs. It can be due to:
influenza, or the flu
pneumonia
bronchitis
tuberculosis (TB)
Though viruses usually cause lower respiratory infections, they can also be caused by bacteria.
Coughing is the main symptom of a lower respiratory infection. It may produce blood sputum. You may also have a fever, sweating, or chills or experience breathlessness, wheezing, and a tight feeling in your chest.
Risk factors and prevention
Risk factors for lower respiratory infection include:
the flu
poor air quality or frequent exposure to lung irritants
smoking
a weak immune system
crowded child care settings, which mainly affect infants
asthma
HIV
One of the best preventive measures you can take against lower respiratory infections is to get the flu shot every year. People at high risk of pneumonia can also get a vaccine.
Be sure to wash your hands regularly with soap and water to avoid transmitted bacteria, especially before touching your face or eating.
If you have a respiratory infection, stay at home and rest until you feel better, as rest improves healing.
4. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): causes, diagnosis and treatment in the best clinics
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a long-term, progressive lung disease that makesTrusted Source breathing difficult. Chronic bronchitis and emphysema are types of COPD.
In 2018, about 16.4 million people in the United States reported a diagnosis of any type of COPD.
Risk factors and prevention
Risk factors for COPD include:
smoking or secondhand smoke
lung irritants such as chemical fumes
family history, with the alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency gene being linked to COPD
history of respiratory infections as a child
There’s no cure for COPD, but its progression can be slowed with medication.
The best ways to preventTrusted Source COPD are to stop smoking, if applicable, and avoid secondhand smoke and other lung irritants. If you experience any COPD symptoms, getting treatment as soon as possible improves your outlook.
5. Trachea, bronchus, and lung cancers
Trachea & Bronchi | Heal OncoCare | Best oncology centre in Mumbai
Respiratory cancers include cancers of the trachea, larynx, bronchus, and lungs.
The main causesTrusted Source are smoking, secondhand smoke, and environmental toxins. However, household pollutions, such as fuels and mold, also contribute.
Impact of respiratory cancers around the world
A 2015 study reports that there are around 18 million new cases of lung cancer annually. In developing countries, researchers project an 81% to 100% increase in respiratory cancers because of pollution and smoking.
Many Asian countries, especially India, still use coal for cooking. Solid fuel emissions account for 17% of lung cancer deaths in males and 22% in females.
Risk factors and prevention
Trachea, bronchus, and lung cancers can affect anyone, but they’re most likelyTrusted Source to affect those who have a history of smoking or tobacco use.
Other risk factors for these cancers include family history and exposure to environmental factors such as diesel fumes.
Aside from avoiding fumes and tobacco products, it isn’t known if there’s anything else that can be done to prevent lung cancers. However, routine lung scans and early detection can result in more effective treatment and an improved outlook.
death around the globe. Other conditions, such as stroke, COPD, lower respiratory infections, and respiratory cancers, also accountTrusted Source for a significant portion of deaths each year.
Takeaway
While deaths from certain diseases have increased, those from more serious conditions have also decreased.
Several factors, such as an increasing life span, naturally increase the prevalence of age-related diseases such as CAD, stroke, and heart disease.
However, many of the diseases on this list are preventable and treatable, and as medicine continues to advance and prevention education grows, we may see improved outcomes for many of these diseases.
A good approach to lowering your risk of any of these conditions is to follow a balanced diet, live a healthy lifestyle, and stay active.
Moderating your alcohol intake and quitting smoking, if applicable, can also help.
For bacterial or viral infections, proper handwashing can help prevent or lower your risk.
