The latest global health check has confirmed heart disease remains the world’s biggest killer.
The concerning trend was identified through the Global Burden of Disease study which analysed health challenges and the leading cause of death in Australia and across the world. The study looked at data over more than three decades from 1990 to 2023.
Kolling Institute researcher and Royal North Shore Hospital senior scientist Dr Anastasia Mihailidou said the research serves as an alarm clock to alert us to the leading health issues, and to encourage us to reduce their impact.
In Australia, life expectancy has increased by seven years to an average of 84 years. This means the life expectancy for women is now 86 years, compared to 82 years for men.
“The data from the research will be helpful as an older life expectancy will require communities and health systems to adjust to the growing demand for healthcare,” said Dr Mihailidou.
“While we are living longer, the leading cause of death in Australia and globally remains ischemic heart disease.
“This is a disappointing trend, but a timely reminder to do what we can to reduce the disease, to consistently monitor blood pressure and to regularly undergo heart health checks.”
The study found the second leading cause of death in Australia is Alzheimer’s disease, followed by lung cancer.
It also found that air pollution and heat, as well as anxiety and depression were significantly impacting our health.
“Importantly, the report provided information about how the world’s disease burden can be prevented by modifying risk factors such as high blood pressure, obesity, smoking and air pollution.
“In Australia, the leading preventable risk factor was high blood pressure, but the data now shows being overweight, smoking and a high blood sugar are the biggest issues which the community can work to overcome.
“I would still encourage the community to monitor their blood pressure, especially as they got older.
“Blood pressure is a key indicator for heart and general health.”