Top 10 Killer Diseases
India has become the world’s most populous country with more than 1.46 billion people. Unfortunately, being a populated country, reported medical issues regarding proper clinical facilities and has become a home to the deadliest diseases.
Introduction
In 2024, WHO reported that around 39 million, 57% of the 68 million worldwide death cases in 2021, were caused by non-communicable diseases. Similarly, in 2021, around 49.1% of people died from these non-communicable diseases in India.
Learn about the top 10 killer diseases in India, along with warning signs, risk factors and preventive strategies.
10 Major Diseases Causing Death in India
The top 10 killer diseases in India are respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, including respiratory infection, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, stroke, etc. Detailed information on the deadliest communicable and non-communicable diseases is mentioned below.
1. Ischemic Heart Disease
Ischemic heart disease is one of the major diseases that causes death in India. In 2023, India reported the highest number of deaths, 282 per 1,00,000, for cardiovascular disease compared to the worldwide level of 233 per 1,00,000.
Causes: Sedentary lifestyle, regular alcohol and tobacco intake, hypertension, unhealthy diet, and a family history of heart disease
Symptoms: Chest pain, breathing problems, fatigue, nausea, pain in the throat, jaw, neck, and arms
Prevention: Take medicines, eat a healthy diet, avoid smoking and drinking, exercise regularly, and maintain monthly check-ups
2. Stroke
Stroke belongs to the top 10 killer diseases in India, which happens when blood flow is blocked in the brain. In 2024, almost 700,000 deaths in India.
Causes: High blood pressure, excessive weight gain, diabetes, smoking, and stress
Symptoms: Sudden weakness or numbness in the arm, face or leg, headache, speaking trouble, and blurry vision
Prevention: Medicines to control blood pressure, regular exercise, and a balanced diet
3. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Among the top 10 killer diseases in India, COPD is another one that contributes to breathing difficulties. This lung disease caused a minimum of 8.7% of deaths in 2019.
Causes: Excessive smoking, outdoor and indoor air pollution, use of biomass fuel in cooking
Symptoms: Breathing difficulties, wheezing, chronic cough, weight loss, fatigue, chest tightness
Prevention: Quit smoking, use a mask to avoid air pollution
4. Cancer
Cancer is the most common cause of death in India, with 15,33,055 cases noted in 2024. The uncontrollable growth of abnormal cells in the body develops into tumours. Cancer can affect different organs like the breast, liver, lungs, stomach and brain.
Causes: Mutation in DNA cells, alcohol consumption, smoking, genetic inheritance, poor diet, ionising radiation, exposure to toxic chemicals
Symptoms: Unexpected weight loss, persistent cough, lumps in particular body parts, changes in skin, unusual bleeding
Prevention: Healthy diet, stay active, avoid tobacco, immunisation and regular medical check-ups
5. Diarrhoeal Diseases
Diarrhoea remains India’s leading cause of mortality, especially among children. India contributed 20% of the worldwide under-five-year child mortality cases annually, and diarrhoea increased by up to 36% between 2019 and 2021.
Causes: Bacterial infection or food poisoning, poor digestive system, poor quality drinking water, improper food hygiene practices
Symptoms: Watery stools, stomach cramps, nausea, bloating
Prevention: Wash hands frequently, use medication, sanitiser, drink safe water, practice hygiene, and maintain a nutritious diet
6. Respiratory Infection
Respiratory infection is the deadliest case among the top 10 killer diseases in India. COVID-19, pneumonia, flu, and bronchiolitis are causes of death in India. In 2021, Rajasthan, a state of India, reported over 3.6 million acute respiratory infectious cases.
Causes: Air pollution, poor sanitation, smoking, viral infection, airborne transmission, malnutrition, and a poor immune system
Symptoms: Fever, breathing issues, cough, fatigue and body pain
Prevention: A healthy and nutritious diet, hygiene maintenance, and social distancing
7. Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis has become a global health challenge. WHO plans to reduce 90% of TB incidence cases by 2035. It continues to be India's leading cause of mortality, with an estimated 22% death rate in 2023. This disease mainly affects the lungs.
Causes: Mainly caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, spread through cough, spit or sneeze from an infected person.
Symptoms: Chest pain, persistent cough, fever, weight loss, night sweats and fatigue
Prevention: Medication, BCG vaccine, hygiene maintenance, wearing a mask in overcrowded places
8. Diabetes
Among the top 10 killer diseases in India, diabetes has significantly captured epidemic proportions. In 2024, the India Council of Medical Research - India Diabetes reported 10.1 crores diabetes cases.
Causes: Obesity, lack of physical activity, poor diet, family history, and excessive stress
Symptoms: Frequent Urination, increased thirst, fatigue, blurred vision, weight loss
Prevention: A healthy diet, avoiding sugary food items and drinks, medicines, regular exercise and blood tests
9. Liver Disease
Hepatitis C and B infections, fatty liver, and alcoholic liver disease are liver diseases with the highest mortality rate in India. India registered the highest cases, 2.98 crores of hepatitis B patients in 2022 and 55 lakhs of hepatitis C cases.
Causes: Viral infection, alcohol consumption, obesity, unhealthy food consumption, diabetes, unprotected sex
Symptoms: Appetite loss, jaundice, fatigue, dark urine, stomach pain
Prevention: Drink plenty of water, drink clean water, and practice good hygiene
10. Mental Health Disorder
Anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia are mental health diseases with the highest mortality rate in India among adults. In 2023, India reported that around 3.3%, 44.9 million people suffered from anxiety.
Causes: Past trauma, environmental and psychological factors, genetic or biological issues
Symptoms: Persistent sadness, changes in appetite, sleeping disorder, social irritation, withdrawal, excessive fear, unusual behaviour
Prevention: Reducing stigma, promoting mental health awareness and meditation, and counselling sessions
Final Words
The Indian Healthcare Department is witnessing the rising complications of non-communicable diseases. Cancer, stroke, COPD, liver disease, respiratory infections and heart attack are India’s leading causes of mortality. All the top 10 killer diseases in India are life-threatening but can be prevented with lifestyle changes and proper care.