SEATTLE, Oct. 23, 2025 — A new analysis from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME), published in The Lancet, shows that ischemic heart disease has once again overtaken COVID-19 as the leading global cause of death. The findings highlight the enduring toll of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancer, which together account for nearly two-thirds of global mortality.
Chronic Conditions Dominate Mortality
In 2023, heart disease led the global death toll, followed closely by stroke and chronic respiratory illnesses. Researchers stress that while infectious diseases and pandemics capture headlines, the slow-moving crisis of chronic disease continues to exact the heaviest burden.
Michael Brauer, principal research scientist at IHME, underscored this point:
“It’s not as dramatic as an outbreak, but we still, I think, do not appreciate the toll that these chronic diseases take.”
Rising Deaths Among Youth
The study also draws attention to an alarming trend: increasing mortality among adolescents and young adults. In North America and Latin America, deaths linked to suicide, drug and alcohol use are climbing, while in sub-Saharan Africa, young people face higher risks from infectious diseases and unintentional injuries.
This reversal comes despite overall global progress: life expectancy has risen by more than 20 years since 1950, and age-standardized mortality rates have fallen by 67%. Yet widening inequities mean that younger populations in certain regions are now more vulnerable.
Global Health Implications
Experts warn that without stronger interventions, the combined pressures of aging populations, urban lifestyles, and health inequities will intensify the burden of NCDs. The report calls for:
- Expanded prevention strategies, including healthier diets, reduced tobacco and alcohol use, and increased physical activity.
- Improved access to healthcare in low- and middle-income countries.
- Integrated mental health and addiction services to address rising youth deaths.
A Call for Sustained Action
The findings reinforce the need for governments and international agencies to treat chronic disease prevention with the same urgency as infectious disease outbreaks. While medical advances have extended life expectancy, the quality of those years is increasingly shaped by long-term conditions that demand systemic solutions.
Summary: Heart disease is once again the world’s leading cause of death, with chronic conditions responsible for most global mortality. At the same time, youth deaths are rising due to mental health crises, substance use, and persistent inequities. Experts urge urgent investment in prevention, healthcare access, and mental health support to address this dual challenge.
Sources: Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) [1], The Lancet Global Burden of Disease Study [2], CBC News [3].
