Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of death in Austria

Comorbidities shape the picture

In addition to the actual cause of death, an average of four comorbidities per deceased person were recorded last year. Among men, the figure was slightly higher at 4.0 than among women. Among people who died of AIDS, an average of six other diseases were registered; for diabetes it was 5.6, and for COVID it was 5.3.

Among adolescents and young adults between ten and 40 years of age, three causes of death occurred particularly frequently: suicide, cancer, and accidents. In the age group of children from one to under ten years – a total of 59 deaths – alongside cancer, congenital malformations were the most common cause.

Differences by age groups

Among infants, 235 deaths were recorded last year, corresponding to 0.3 percent of all deceased. Statistics Austria cited birth complications and congenital malformations as the main causes. The data make clear that the spectrum of the most common causes of death shifts significantly depending on the age group.

Overall, the new survey underscores the continuing dominance of cardiovascular diseases in Austrian cause-of-death statistics. The decline in age-adjusted mortality in this area is regarded as an indication of progress in prevention, diagnostics, and treatment. At the same time, the fight against cancer and suicide prevention among young people remain central public health policy tasks.

Significance for health policy

Statistics Austria also points out that the increasing number of comorbidities makes the recording of causes of death more complex. Multiple illnesses influence the statistical assignment of a single leading cause of death.

For the coming years, Statistics Austria announced that the annual evaluation would continue. The current figures are intended to serve as a basis for public health policy measures as well as for scientific research.