What's Killing India? Understanding the Top 10 Killer Diseases

A Basic Understanding of the 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.