The six killer diseases are the six most common causes of death worldwide. They are heart disease, stroke, cancer, chronic lower respiratory disease (CLRD), diabetes, and chronic liver disease/cirrhosis. These diseases are responsible for more than half of all deaths in the world, and while they are particularly prevalent in developing countries, they are also common in developed countries.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for over 17 million deaths per year. It is caused by a buildup of plaque in the arteries, which can lead to blockages, resulting in a heart attack or stroke. Risk factors for heart disease include high cholesterol, high blood pressure, smoking, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle.
Stroke is the second leading cause of death, responsible for more than 6 million deaths a year. It is caused by a blocked or ruptured artery in the brain, which can result in paralysis, impaired vision, and even death. Risk factors for stroke include high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol, and obesity.
Cancer is the third leading cause of death, responsible for more than 8 million deaths a year. It is caused by abnormal cell growth, which can invade and spread to other parts of the body. Risk factors for cancer include smoking, excessive sun exposure, alcohol consumption, and unhealthy diet.
Chronic lower respiratory disease (CLRD) is the fourth leading cause of death worldwide, responsible for more than 4 million deaths a year. It is caused by long-term damage to the lungs, which can be caused by smoking, air pollution, and other environmental factors.
Diabetes is the fifth leading cause of death, responsible for more than 1.5 million deaths a year. It is caused by high blood sugar levels, which can lead to heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, and nerve damage. Risk factors for diabetes include obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and family history.
Chronic liver disease/cirrhosis is the sixth leading cause of death, responsible for more than 1 million deaths a year. It is caused by long-term damage to the liver, which can be caused by excessive alcohol consumption, viral hepatitis, and other liver diseases.
These six killer diseases are responsible for a large portion of deaths worldwide, and are preventable with lifestyle changes and proper medical care. Reducing risk factors such as smoking,