Causes of death

Causes of Death refers to the specific reasons or conditions that result in the death of an individual. These causes can be classified into various categories such as disease, accident, homicide, suicide, and natural causes. The study of causes of death is a significant aspect of fields like epidemiology, medicine, public health, and demography.

Classification of Causes of Death

Causes of death can be broadly classified into two categories: natural and unnatural causes.

Natural Causes

Natural causes of death are typically due to disease or the aging process. This category includes deaths from cancer, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS and influenza.

Unnatural Causes

Unnatural causes of death are those that occur due to external factors. These include accidents, homicide, suicide, and drug overdose. Accidental deaths can occur due to a variety of circumstances, including motor vehicle accidents, falls, and drowning. Homicides and suicides are self-explanatory, while drug overdoses typically involve the misuse of prescription drugs, illegal drugs, or alcohol.

Determining Cause of Death

The cause of death is typically determined by a medical examiner or coroner through a process known as an autopsy. This involves a thorough examination of the body, and may also include laboratory tests and a review of the person's medical history.

Global Statistics

According to the World Health Organization, the leading causes of death globally are ischemic heart disease, stroke, and lower respiratory infections. However, the specific leading causes of death can vary significantly by country and region, reflecting differences in lifestyle, healthcare access, and other factors.

See Also

• Mortality rate
• Life expectancy
• Epidemiology of suicide
• List of causes of death by rate