Report finds cardiovascular diseases responsible for 31% of all deaths in India

A new report has revealed that heart disease is the leading cause of death in India, responsible for almost one-third of all deaths in the country. The findings are part of the Report on Causes of Death: 2021-2023, which was released by the Sample Registration Survey under the Registrar General of India.

According to the report, cardiovascular diseases account for 31 per cent of all deaths in India, making them the biggest killer. These diseases fall under the larger category of non-communicable diseases, which together make up 56.7 per cent of total deaths in the country. This means that more than half of all deaths in India are caused by illnesses such as heart problems, diabetes, and cancer, rather than by infectious diseases.

The report also compared the findings with the period of 2020-2022, when the country was battling the COVID-19 pandemic. During that time, non-communicable diseases were responsible for 55.7 per cent of deaths, while infectious, maternal, perinatal, and nutritional conditions together caused 24 per cent of deaths. The latest figures show a slight increase in deaths caused by non-communicable diseases.

Leading causes of death in different groups

The report shows that heart disease remains the most significant health challenge in India. Apart from cardiovascular conditions, respiratory infections are the next major cause, responsible for 9.3 per cent of deaths, followed by cancers and other neoplasms at 6.4 per cent. Respiratory diseases such as chronic lung problems account for another 5.7 per cent of deaths.

Age also plays a big role in the kind of health risks people face. For people above the age of 30, cardiovascular diseases are the most common cause of death. However, for younger people in the 15-29 age group, the leading cause of death is suicide. This highlights a very different health and social challenge for the country—while older adults are struggling with lifestyle-related illnesses, many young people are losing their lives to mental health struggles.

Other causes of death also stand out in the findings. For example, digestive diseases account for 5.3 per cent of deaths, while fevers of unknown origin are responsible for 4.9 per cent. Diabetes causes 3.5 per cent of deaths, showing how rapidly the disease has been rising as a health burden in India. Unintentional injuries, excluding road accidents, cause 3.7 per cent of deaths, while overall, injuries contribute to 9.4 per cent of deaths in the country.

Ill-defined causes and the need for better data

Interestingly, the report also highlights that 10.5 per cent of deaths are classified under ill-defined causes, meaning that the exact reason for death could not be clearly determined. Most of these cases occur among older people, especially those aged 70 years or above. This reflects the challenges in tracking accurate medical information, particularly in rural areas where access to advanced health facilities and reporting systems may still be limited.

The report stresses that despite these limitations, the findings give a much clearer picture of the country’s health situation. By breaking down causes of death by age, sex, place of residence, and region, the report helps policymakers and health experts understand where the challenges are most severe.

For example, heart disease being the top killer shows the urgent need for public awareness campaigns on healthy living, diet, and exercise. Similarly, the data on suicide among young people shows the importance of improving mental health services, providing counseling, and reducing stigma.

The study also sheds light on the burden of communicable diseases, maternal and child health issues, and nutritional problems, which still cause 23.4 per cent of deaths in India. While this figure is lower than non-communicable diseases, it remains a significant area of concern, especially in poorer regions of the country.

What the findings mean for India

The report’s conclusions underline the fact that India is going through a major health transition. In the past, communicable diseases like malaria, tuberculosis, and infections were the leading causes of death. But today, lifestyle-related diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer have overtaken them. This shift is partly due to changes in diet, stress levels, reduced physical activity, and rising urbanisation.

At the same time, the fact that suicides are the leading cause of death among young people is worrying. It shows that mental health has not received enough attention in public health policies, and there is an urgent need to support young people through awareness, counseling, and community care programmes.

Experts believe that the findings can help shape future health strategies in India. For instance, better screening and preventive care for heart disease, regular health check-ups for diabetes, and lifestyle awareness campaigns can go a long way in reducing premature deaths. Similarly, improving the healthcare system’s reach in rural areas and strengthening mental health support can address some of the challenges faced by different age groups.

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The report makes it clear that addressing India’s mortality burden requires a comprehensive approach that covers both physical and mental health. While non-communicable diseases continue to rise, infectious diseases and nutritional challenges still persist. The way forward will need focused action from both the government and society to reduce preventable deaths.

Disclaimer: The information shared in this article is based on reports and studies and is meant only for general awareness. It should not be taken as medical advice. For any health-related concerns, always consult a qualified doctor or healthcare professional.