Chronic diseases accounted for 74 per cent of deaths worldwide in 2023, with heart disease remaining one of the biggest contributors to the global death toll, according to new estimates from the World Health Organization (WHO).
The latest WHO Global Health Estimates, released on October 2, show that the world is experiencing a continued shift from infectious diseases towards noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, cancer and chronic respiratory diseases.
Heart disease remains a major global health burden
Ischaemic heart disease alone caused approximately 9.5 million deaths in 2023, making it the world’s leading individual cause of death. WHO data show that deaths from the condition have increased by about three million since 2000.
Overall, eight of the world’s 10 leading causes of death in 2023 were noncommunicable diseases. Together, these diseases accounted for 74 per cent of all deaths globally, compared with 58 per cent in 2000.
Stroke was the second leading cause of death, responsible for about 6.8 million deaths, while chronic obstructive pulmonary disease caused approximately 3.6 million deaths.
The latest figures also point to changes in other chronic health conditions. Dementia became the fifth leading cause of death globally in 2023, compared with 19th in 2000, while diabetes has also become an increasing concern in several regions.
Despite the growing burden of chronic diseases, WHO noted that global life expectancy has recovered to almost its pre-pandemic level. Average global life expectancy reached 73.3 years in 2023, compared with 73.4 years in 2019.
However, healthy life expectancy has recovered more slowly, reaching 62.8 years in 2023, still below the 2019 level. The WHO said the changing disease pattern highlights the need for health systems to strengthen prevention, early detection and long-term management of chronic conditions.
For individuals, reducing major cardiovascular risk factors such as high blood pressure, tobacco use, physical inactivity, unhealthy diets and high blood glucose can help lower the risk of heart disease and other NCDs.
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