The ten most deadly diseases in Spain today

At the beginning of the 20th century, life expectancy was only 33.8 years for men and 35.7 years for women. At that time, one-third of deaths were caused by infectious diseases; the diseases that claimed the most lives were pneumonia, influenza, tuberculosis, and gastrointestinal infections. One hundred years later, things have changed dramatically, with the average age at death more than doubling: by 2023, it was 81.8 years for men and 87 years for women.

Just as life expectancy has increased—thanks to the evolution of health policy, scientific advances, and health systems that care for the population, among others—the leading causes of death have also changed. The latest report in this regard by the National Institute of Statistics (INE) reveals the 10 diseases that claimed the most lives in the first half of last year.

Coronavirus disease

The new coronavirus tops the list of the ten most deadly diseases in the first half of 2022, killing 20,915 people in Spain. Although vaccinations and the end of hospital collapse caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus have significantly reduced the death toll, it still left a large mark in the latest INE report.

ischemic heart disease

Ischemic heart disease caused 14,529 deaths in the year in question. These are pathologies involving narrowing or blockage of blood vessels, caused by atherosclerotic damage to the heart or blood vessels. Fatty plaques on artery walls thicken and harden, inhibiting the flow of blood through the arteries to organs and tissues, and may lead to heart attack, chest pain (angina), or stroke.

cerebrovascular disease

In 1900, cerebrovascular disease (CVD) was the second leading cause of death worldwide and is currently the third leading cause of death, claiming the lives of 12,333 Spaniards in the first half of 2022. This pathology includes a range of diseases that cause reduced blood flow in the body. The function of entire areas of the brain is temporarily or permanently impaired as a result. One of the most well-known cardiovascular diseases is stroke.

Bronchial tubes and lung cancer

Bronchial and lung cancer claimed 11,266 lives. Although it is primarily associated with smoking, it can also affect non-smokers. Symptoms may include a persistent cough, difficulty breathing and chest pain. Early diagnosis is critical to improving treatment options.

heart failure

Heart failure occurs when the heart muscle cannot pump blood properly, resulting in 10,948 deaths. Blood often backs up and causes fluid to build up in the lungs and legs.

Dementia

In the first six months of 2022, dementia caused 10,345 deaths. Cognitive deterioration affects the human body and its systems that maintain life and independence and is the leading cause of death in people with dementia.

hypertension

Hypertension claimed 7,415 lives. If not treated properly, high blood pressure can lead to conditions such as kidney failure, heart disease, and stroke that can lead to death.

Alzheimer’s disease

Although we talk about dementia in general, Alzheimer’s disease was responsible for 6,779 deaths. The ultimate cause of death is the same as in dementia in general, especially in the later stages when severe loss of brain function may lead to dehydration, malnutrition or infection.

chronic lower respiratory tract disease

In the first half of last year, 6,001 Spaniards died from chronic diseases of the lower respiratory tract. This group includes some of the most common conditions in pulmonology, including chronic bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, emphysema, asthma, and bronchiectasis.

diabetes

Diabetes is the tenth disease that causes the most deaths: 5,587. We’re talking about a disease in which the body doesn’t produce enough insulin or responds normally to it, which results in abnormally high blood sugar (glucose) concentrations. Urination and thirst increase, and weight is lost unconsciously.