Heart Disease, Stroke, and Diabetes Now Leading Causes of Death and Disability Globally: The Lancet

New Delhi, October 13, 2025 : Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes have now overtaken infectious diseases to become the leading causes of death and disability worldwide, according to a new study published in The Lancet and presented at the World Health Summit in Berlin.

This latest report, based on the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) analysis, paints a stark picture of how global health trends have shifted over the last three decades. Once dominated by infectious illnesses, the primary health concerns of the world are now chronic and lifestyle-related.

A Changing Health Landscape

Back in 1990, diarrhoeal diseases were among the top killers, with an age-standardised mortality rate (ASMR) of over 300 deaths per lakh population. Fast forward to 2023, and ischemic heart disease has emerged as the leading cause of death, now registering an ASMR of 127.82 per lakh.

Stroke and diabetes followed closely, along with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lower respiratory infections, and neonatal disorders. Even Covid-19, which was the leading cause of death in 2021, has now dropped to the 20th position in global rankings.

Lifestyle Factors Behind the Surge

One of the most striking revelations from the study is that nearly half of all deaths and disabilities linked to NCDs could be prevented. The leading risk factors identified include:

• High blood sugar levels

• Excess body weight (high BMI)

• Unhealthy diets

• Lack of physical activity

• Smoking and alcohol use

With modern lifestyles becoming increasingly sedentary, and diets rich in processed foods and sugars, more people are at risk of developing these chronic conditions at younger ages.

Alarming Trends Among Young Adults

While mortality has dropped globally over the decades, the report flagged an alarming rise in deaths among adolescents and young adults. Factors like suicide, drug overdose, and alcohol abuse are now significant contributors to mortality in these age groups.

The study also points to growing concerns around mental health, with anxiety disorders up by 63% and depression increasing by 26%. Exposure to violence, sexual abuse, and intimate partner violence were identified as serious contributors to these issues, underlining the urgent need for stronger mental health and social support systems.

Progress Amidst Challenges

Despite the rise in chronic illnesses, the world has made significant strides in other areas of public health. The global age-standardised mortality rate has dropped by 67% since 1950, and life expectancy has rebounded to pre-pandemic levels—reaching 76.3 years for women and 71.5 years for men.

Infant mortality has also declined, and every country and territory included in the study recorded improvements in healthcare outcomes.

This extensive analysis—covering data from 204 countries and territories and more than 660 subnational regions—highlights the need for a renewed focus on preventive healthcare, especially in managing chronic diseases and promoting mental well-being.

As the global population continues to age, and urban lifestyles evolve, health systems must adapt quickly. Prioritising healthy living, early detection, and affordable treatment for heart disease, stroke, and diabetes will be critical in the years to come.