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
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.
