Ischemic heart diseases (IHD) has been the top most killer in 2010, with every 13th medically certified death caused by IHD in the State. 

In recent years, there has been an increase in deaths due to IHD, a condition wherein the heart muscle receives less blood supply, and other diseases of circulatory system (DCS), which is an alarming trend.

According to a report on Medical Certification of Cause of Deaths, compiled by the State Registrar of Births and Deaths in 2010, nearly 30.69 per cent of the 1,21,347 medically certified deaths were due to DCS. While 13.37 per cent of deaths were caused by IHD.

Besides, every 10th medically certified death reported is that of an infant.

The report stated that 85 per cent of deaths among infants has been caused by ‘certain conditions originating in the perinatal period’.

The findings of the report can help the government to accord more priority to public health programmes. 

Increasing trend

Nearly 87 per cent of medically certified deaths, the report said, are caused by eight diseases: DCS (30.69 per cent), certain infectious and parasitic diseases (11.45 per cent), certain conditions originating in the perinatal period (8.90 per cent), injury, poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes (8.66 per cent), diseases of the respiratory system (8.58 per cent), diseases of digestive system (6.42 per cent), endocrine, nutritional and metabolic diseases (6.24 per cent), and neoplasm (6.24 per cent).

There has been a steady rise in deaths due to DCS, from 21.53 per cent in 1993 to 30.69 per cent in 2012.

Whereas, cerebropulmonary circulation, hypertensive diseases, acute rheumatic fever and chronic rheumatic heart diseases are other forms of DCS that take a heavy toll.

Main reasons for high IHD among people are high level of stress and lack of exercise coupled with dietary habits, said Dr C N Manjunath, Managing Director, Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiology.

Besides IHD, diseases of respiratory system and neoplasm (cancer) are emerging as major killers. The report emphasised that proportion of deaths due to diseases of respiratory system has been on the rise since 2006.

Whereas, medically certified deaths due to certain infectious and parasitic diseases, certain conditions originating in the perinatal period and injury, poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes have been decreasing.

Youth vulnerable

Youth in the age groups of 15-24 years and 25-34 years are prone to diseases related to injuries and poisoning, stated the report.

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