Home / Health / Thousands Die From Preventable Illnesses Yearly
Thousands Die From Preventable Illnesses Yearly
3 Nov
Summary
- 110,804 deaths in England in 2025 were preventable.
- Men in deprived areas face 4x higher avoidable death risk.
- Circulatory diseases are the second largest cause of avoidable deaths.
In 2025, England recorded 110,804 deaths from causes that were preventable or treatable with timely healthcare. This figure represents 20.7% of all registered deaths in the country. In Wales, 8,011 deaths were also classified as avoidable.
The data highlights a significant health disparity, indicating that men residing in England's most deprived areas are nearly four times more susceptible to dying from avoidable causes compared to those in the wealthiest regions.
Circulatory diseases, affecting the heart and blood vessels, have emerged as the second leading category of preventable mortality, following cancer. This situation emphasizes the importance of proactive health monitoring.
Cardiologist Dr. Francesco Lo Monaco stresses that feeling well does not always equate to being healthy, as conditions like high blood pressure and raised cholesterol can progress silently for years. He advocates for a shift in mindset from treating illness to identifying risks early.
Dr. Lo Monaco recommends focusing on three key areas for assessing long-term health: blood pressure checks, comprehensive lipid profiles (including cholesterol, Lp(a), HbA1c, glucose, and fasting insulin), and cardiovascular fitness assessments like VO2 max. Simple, regular checks can significantly contribute to healthier aging and prolonged well-being.
