Heart Disease the Leading Cause of Death in Australia, But Data Reveals More Complex Picture

Four out of five deaths in Australia have more than one cause, and a new report from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare delves into the data.

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Coronary heart disease remains the most common underlying cause of death in Australia, being the main cause for men and the second most common (behind dementia) for women and, in total, connected with about 20 percent of all deaths.

Dementia was the second highest as it contributed to 18 percent, followed by hypertension, cerebrovascular diseases, and diabetes.