According to recent data from the World Health Organization (WHO), the top 10 causes of mortality globally are:
1. Ischemic heart disease – Also known as coronary artery disease, this usually occurs due to the narrowing of the heart’s blood vessels, leading to reduced blood flow to the heart.
2. Stroke – Stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is blocked or interrupted, leading to the death of brain cells.
3. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) – A group of lung disorders that includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema, typically caused by long-term exposure to irritants like tobacco smoke.
4. Lower respiratory infections – These infections primarily affect the airways and lungs, causing conditions such as pneumonia and bronchitis.
5. Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias – Neurodegenerative diseases that primarily impact memory, thinking abilities, and behavior.
6. Trachea, bronchus, and lung cancers – Various forms of lung cancer, including those affecting the trachea and bronchus, which are predominantly caused by smoking or exposure to environmental pollutants.
7. Diabetes – A chronic condition characterized by high blood sugar levels, often resulting from insufficient insulin production or the body’s inability to effectively utilize insulin.
8. Kidney diseases – Chronic kidney diseases, including conditions like chronic kidney failure and kidney stones.
9. Hypertensive heart disease – Heart conditions caused by long-term high blood pressure, which can lead to complications such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, and strokes.
10. Liver diseases – Various liver conditions, including cirrhosis, hepatitis, and liver cancer, often caused by factors such as alcohol abuse, viral infections, or autoimmune disorders.
It’s important to note that the ranking and specific causes may differ slightly depending on the region or country being considered.