An elderly Indian man with heart problems
Australians are living longer than ever, yet ischaemic heart disease remains the nation’s primary cause of premature death, closely followed by dementia. These findings emerge from the Global Burden of Disease 2023 (GBD) study, published in The Lancet and presented at the World Health Summit in Berlin.
The study highlights that despite a global decline in mortality rates for many leading causes of death, ischaemic heart disease has been Australia’s leading cause of premature death since 1990. Meanwhile, life expectancy in Australia has seen a notable increase over the past three decades. As of 2023, women can expect to live to the age of 86, six years longer than in 1990, and men to 84, marking an eight-year increase.
Shifting Global Health Landscape
Globally, the study reports a significant shift from infectious to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) as leading causes of death. Currently, two out of three deaths are attributed to NCDs, with nearly half of all death and disability preventable by addressing risks such as high BMI and blood sugar levels. The burden of mental ill health is also on the rise, with anxiety and depression increasing death and disability by 63% and 26% respectively.
“It is essential to prioritise primary prevention by tackling modifiable risk factors such as tobacco use, unhealthy diets, and lifestyle choices,” said Professor Aziz Rahman, Associate Dean of Research from the Institute of Health and Wellbeing at Federation University.
Calls for Preventive Measures
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 measures such as improving health literacy and access to cardiovascular risk assessment tools, especially for disadvantaged populations.
“Elevating health literacy is crucial, with a focus on recognising symptoms and understanding individual risk factors. Additionally, we must enhance access to cardiovascular risk assessment tools, particularly for disadvantaged groups, including First Nations people, culturally and linguistically diverse populations, and those residing in rural areas,” Rahman added.
Professor Richard Edwards, Head of Public Health at Flinders University, echoed these sentiments, noting that the Australian findings reflect the rapidly increasing health burdens from NCDs globally. He highlighted the potential health benefits of policies such as sugary drink taxes and de-nicotinising 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 remarked.
Dementia: A Growing Concern
The study also points to the increased prevalence of dementia, particularly Alzheimer’s disease, in Australia compared to global figures. While Alzheimer’s ranks as the sixth leading cause of death globally, it is the second in Australia, marking it as a significant area for attention in awareness campaigns and primary care settings.
Professor Rahman stressed the importance of raising awareness through dementia risk reduction campaigns that address lifestyle factors. “Simultaneously, integrating dementia risk assessments into primary care settings and promoting early diagnosis can help alleviate the burden of this condition,” he said.
Future Directions
Terry Slevin, CEO of the Public Health Association of Australia, noted the stark shift in global causes of death from infectious diseases to NCDs. “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 stated.
The GBD study, compiled by thousands of scientists and drawing on more than 310,000 data sources, underscores the urgent need for comprehensive public health strategies. As Australia navigates these ongoing health challenges, the emphasis on prevention and policy innovation will be crucial in shaping the nation’s health landscape.
