An elderly Indian man with heart problems
Australians are living longer than ever, yet ischaemic heart disease continues to be the nation’s primary cause of premature death, closely followed by dementia. These findings are part of the Global Burden of Disease 2023 (GBD) study, unveiled on Monday in The Lancet and presented at the World Health Summit in Berlin.
The study highlights that ischaemic heart disease has consistently been Australia’s leading cause of premature death since 1990, despite a global decline in mortality rates for many major causes of death, including heart disease, over the past three decades. Meanwhile, life expectancy in Australia has seen a significant increase, with women now expected to live up to 86 years and men to 84 years, marking an increase of six and eight years respectively since 1990.
Shift from Infectious to Non-Communicable Diseases
Globally, the causes of death have shifted from infectious diseases to non-communicable diseases (NCDs), with two out of three deaths now attributed to NCDs. The study indicates that nearly half of all death and disability could be prevented by addressing risk factors such as high BMI and elevated blood sugar levels.
Additionally, the burden of mental health issues continues to rise globally, with anxiety and depression contributing to a 63% and 26% increase in death and disability, respectively. This development follows a broader trend of increasing health challenges associated with lifestyle and environmental factors.
Calls for Primary Prevention and Health Literacy
Professor Aziz Rahman, a senior collaborator for the GBD study, emphasizes the need for prioritizing primary prevention in Australia to combat ischaemic heart disease. He advocates for improving health literacy and access to cardiovascular risk assessment tools, particularly for disadvantaged populations.
“It is essential to prioritize primary prevention by tackling modifiable risk factors such as tobacco use, unhealthy diets, and lifestyle choices,” said Professor Rahman, Associate Dean of Research from the Institute of Health and Wellbeing at Federation University.
He further stressed the importance of enhancing access to cardiovascular risk assessment tools for disadvantaged groups, including First Nations people, culturally and linguistically diverse populations, and those living in rural areas.
Policy Recommendations for NCD Prevention
Professor Richard Edwards, Head of Public Health at Flinders University, notes that the Australian findings mirror the global increase in health burdens from NCDs. He highlights the potential health benefits of implementing policies such as sugary drink taxes and de-nicotinizing tobacco products.
“What better time for Australia to show leadership and provide inspiration by introducing pioneering public health policy measures to prevent NCDs, which the findings from the GBD study surely demand?” Professor Edwards stated.
Alzheimer’s Disease: A Growing Concern
The study also draws attention to the rising prevalence of dementia, particularly Alzheimer’s disease, in Australia. While Alzheimer’s ranks as the sixth leading cause of death globally, it is the second in Australia, underscoring the need for targeted awareness and primary care interventions.
“It is vital to raise awareness through dementia risk reduction campaigns that address lifestyle factors,” said Professor Rahman. “Simultaneously, integrating dementia risk assessments into primary care settings and promoting early diagnosis can help alleviate the burden of this condition.”
Future Health Strategies
Terry Slevin, CEO of the Public Health Association of Australia, remarked on the stark shift from infectious diseases to NCDs as a leading cause of death globally. He emphasized the importance of preventive measures to improve longevity and quality of life.
“Future improvements to our longevity, or just to allow us to live more of our years in good health, will rely on action to prevent NCDs,” he said.
The GBD study, compiled by thousands of scientists using over 310,000 data sources, continues to provide crucial insights into global health trends. As Australia grapples with these findings, the focus on preventive health measures and policy interventions becomes ever more critical.
