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Chronic Disease Top Cause of Death Worldwide

Lifestyle-related ailments overtake illness as No. 1 killer

By Jason Farago,  Newser Staff

Posted May 20, 2008 3:22 PM CDT

(Newser) – Chronic ailments such as heart disease have become the top causes of death around the world, Reuters reports. Infectious disease, such as tuberculosis and AIDS, has traditionally been the planet's number-one killer. But new World Health Organization stats show noncommunicable conditions, many of which are associated with a Western lifestyle, are killing more people, and the numbers are projected to continue climbing.

China's Margaret Chan, left, Director-General of the World Health Organization WHO, talks during the 61th WHO assembly at the European headquarters of the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, on Monday, May 19, 2008. (AP Photo/KEYSTONE/Magali Girardin)
China's Margaret Chan, left, Director-General of the World Health Organization WHO, talks during the 61th WHO assembly at the European headquarters of the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, on Monday,...   (AP Photo)
Health Minister Spokesman Mao Qun'an speaks during a press conference in Beijing Wednesday, May 7, 2008.
Health Minister Spokesman Mao Qun'an speaks during a press conference in Beijing Wednesday, May 7, 2008.   (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)
A child stricken with the intestinal virus, identified as enterovirus 71 or EV-71, rests at a hospital in Fuyang, central China's Anhui province, Sunday, May 4, 2008.
A child stricken with the intestinal virus, identified as enterovirus 71 or EV-71, rests at a hospital in Fuyang, central China's Anhui province, Sunday, May 4, 2008.   (AP Photo)
James Kennedy, right, is examined by cardiologist Dr. John Thornton, as Kennedy's daughter, Brittany, left, and wife Debra, second from left, watch during an examination at the Medical College of Georgia Cardiovascular Center, Thursday, March 27, 2008, in Augusta, Ga.
James Kennedy, right, is examined by cardiologist Dr. John Thornton, as Kennedy's daughter, Brittany, left, and wife Debra, second from left, watch during an examination at the Medical College of Georgia...   (AP Photo/Rainier Ehrhardt)
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Full report from the WHO
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disease • death • heart attack • stroke • World Health Organization • chronic disease

 
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