Top 10 Causes of Death Among Filipinos in 2024

(SPOT.ph) Heart disease remains the leading cause of death among Filipinos. This is according to the latest data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) covering January to August 2024.

Ischaemic heart disease claimed the most lives with 60,253 deaths, followed by neoplasms (cancers) with 33,910 deaths and cerebrovascular diseases (strokes and related conditions) with 30,552 deaths—and it's not even a close fight. What's sad about all this is that many of these conditions are preventable or manageable with early detection and proper treatment.

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Top 10 causes of death in the Philippines

1. Ischaemic heart diseases – 60,253 deaths

These are heart-related conditions that happen when the arteries supplying blood to the heart become too narrow, limiting oxygen flow. It can lead to heart attacks, chest pain, or even sudden death. Unhealthy lifestyles, smoking, high cholesterol, and lack of exercise are major risk factors.

Basically, the things we should be watching out for but don’t.

2. Neoplasms – 33,910 deaths

Neoplasms refer to abnormal and uncontrolled cell growth—or more simply known as cancer. It can affect different parts of the body, with lung, breast, liver, and colon cancers being among the most common in the Philippines. The scary part is it often shows no symptoms in the early stages, which is why early detection is key to survival.

3. Cerebrovascular diseases – 30,552 deaths

These include conditions like stroke, which occurs when blood flow to the brain is disrupted due to a clot or bleeding. It can cause paralysis, difficulty speaking, and even death. High blood pressure, smoking, and diabetes increase the risk.

4. Pneumonia – 19,842 deaths

It’s not “just a bad cough.” Pneumonia is a lung infection that causes inflammation and fluid buildup, making it hard to breathe. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses (like COVID-19), or fungi. It’s especially dangerous for young children, older adults, and people with weak immune systems.

5. Diabetes mellitus – 19,214 deaths

Diabetes happens when the body can’t properly process sugar, leading to high blood sugar levels. Over time, it can cause complications like kidney failure, nerve damage, and heart disease.

Unhealthy eating habits, lack of exercise, and genetics contribute to its rise, but the good news is that it’s manageable with the right lifestyle changes.

6. Hypertensive diseases – 16,234 deaths

This is what happens when high blood pressure gets out of control from stress or a high diet of salt. It quietly damages the heart, arteries, and organs over time, leading to strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. Hypertension is called the "silent killer" for a reason.

7. Chronic lower respiratory diseases – 10,736 deaths

Long-term lung diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis made it to the list. The main culprit? Smoking—both firsthand and secondhand. Long-term exposure to pollution can also make things worse.

8. Respiratory tuberculosis – 9,873 deaths

Despite being preventable and treatable, tuberculosis continues to claim lives in the country. It spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Although this lung disease is treatable with antibiotics, many cases remain undiagnosed. 

9. Other heart diseases – 8,401 deaths

Not all heart problems fall under ischaemic heart disease. Conditions like heart failure, arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats), and congenital heart defects are also major causes of death.

10. Diseases of the genitourinary system – 8,055 deaths

This includes kidney failure and urinary tract diseases, which are often linked to diabetes and high blood pressure. Symptoms aren’t usually felt until it’s too late, which is why drinking plenty of water is non-negotiable.

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