UPDATE: Deaths from coronary heart disease in Australia have plummeted to their lowest level in 47 years, according to new data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics today. This significant decline marks a pivotal moment in public health, with dementia now surpassing heart disease as the leading cause of death nationwide.
The latest statistics reveal that while over 16,000 Australians succumbed to coronary heart disease in the past year, the mortality rate has dropped by an astonishing 87 percent since 1968. However, the rise in dementia-related deaths—more than 17,000 in 2024—indicates a troubling trend, particularly among women, who account for 62 percent of these fatalities.
Officials confirm that improvements in healthcare and effective management of risk factors such as high blood pressure and cholesterol are key contributors to the dramatic reduction in heart disease deaths. Lauren Moran, head of mortality statistics at the bureau, stated, “The decrease showcases the impact of better medical interventions and preventive care.”
Despite this positive news about heart disease, the statistics highlight a concerning increase in dementia, which has surged by over 840 percent in the last five decades. This rise correlates with longer life expectancies, particularly among women, who have had dementia as the leading cause of death since 2016.
“Dementia accounted for 9.4 percent of all deaths last year,” said Tanya Buchanan, CEO of Dementia Australia. She emphasized the urgent need for increased public health investment, warning that without significant intervention, the number of Australians living with dementia could exceed 1 million by 2065.
In a troubling parallel, deaths from suicide have also seen a rise, with 3,300 individuals taking their lives in 2024—a 1 percent increase from the previous year. Suicide has now become the leading cause of premature death in Australia, with a median age of 46 years. The Northern Territory reported the highest suicide rate, followed closely by Queensland and Tasmania.
Suicide Prevention Australia’s Nieves Murray called the figures “devastating and stubbornly high,” noting an additional 43 lives lost compared to the previous year. “That’s more than a classroom of students or a busload of people every month,” he added, calling for urgent action and awareness.
Moreover, deaths related to drugs and alcohol have also surged, driven by acute toxicity and long-term complications such as liver cirrhosis. This trend underscores the ongoing public health crisis linked to substance abuse.
As Australia grapples with these dual public health challenges, experts urge immediate attention to dementia care and mental health resources. The Australian community must rally to confront the alarming rise in dementia and suicide rates while celebrating the progress made against heart disease.
For anyone in need of support, resources are available through Lifeline at 13 11 14 and beyondblue at 1300 22 4636. The urgency of these issues cannot be overstated, as they impact thousands of lives across the nation each day.
