June 6th 2024.
In the year 2022, coronary heart disease was a major factor in the passing of nearly 40,000 individuals in Australia. This number is higher than any other cause of death. A recent report from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare revealed that this condition contributed to 20% of all deaths, totaling to 38,273. However, it also highlighted the complexity of determining the exact cause of death, as multiple factors were involved in four out of every five cases.
Michelle Gourley, a spokesperson for AIHW, explained that understanding the cause of death in Australia is not a straightforward task. It can vary depending on how the conditions are assessed. She also mentioned that while coronary heart disease was the leading cause of death, dementia was a close second at 18.3%. This was followed by high blood pressure, cerebrovascular diseases, and diabetes.
The report also delved into the direct causes of death, such as lower respiratory infections, cardiac/respiratory arrest, and sepsis. These were the most common factors that ultimately led to someone's passing. It is worth noting that the report did not only focus on the underlying cause of death, but also considered all factors listed on death certificates.
Gourley emphasized that this approach provides a more comprehensive understanding of why a death occurred. Death certificates contain valuable information that goes beyond just the initiating or "underlying" cause of death. For instance, although the underlying cause may be coronary heart disease, the certificate may also list other contributing factors like acute myocardial infarction, hypertension, diabetes, alcohol use disorders, and even contextual factors like COVID-19.
The AIHW report serves as a valuable tool in shaping healthcare strategies that aim to improve the quality of life for Australians. Gourley believes that looking at causes of death in different ways can provide a better understanding of the impact of various diseases and conditions on an individual's health and mortality. This, in turn, can aid in developing effective interventions and policies to reduce the burden of diseases and promote better health in the community.
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