Top 10 Causes of Death in Colombia

Discussing mortality is a challenging topic. In Colombia, the total number of deaths in 2023 reached 265,047. While this number may appear high, it represents a 7.7% decrease in the national death rate.

Colombia’s National Department of Administrative Statistics (DANE) gathers initial data to understand the country’s population trends, including birth and death rates. According to their latest report, last year saw a mortality rate of 5.7 deaths per thousand men. Meanwhile, for women, the figure stood at 4.5 deaths per thousand.

This report also suggests that the mortality rate has increased in the coffee axis region. Caldas had an increase of 0,3, Qundio had an increase of 0,2 and Risaralda had an increase of 0,5. 

Main causes of death in Colombia

DANE also provided a list that establishes the main causes of death in Colombia. According to the report, ischemic heart diseases are still the main cause of death in the country. In 2023, there were a total of 45,465 cases, which were responsible for 17.2% of deaths. 

The second main cause of death in Colombia is cerebrovascular disease. In 2023, this disease recorded 16,946 deaths, or 6.4% of the total death toll. 

Chronic diseases are also one of the main killers in the country. They recorded 15,386 deaths in 2023. Homicides were also big contributors, causing 13,977 deaths last year. Hypertension and respiratory infections were also leading causes of death in 2023. They caused 9,660 and 9,364 deaths, respectively. The last major cause of death in 2023 was tumors in digestive organs, with a total death toll of 8,601.  

Road accidents, with 8,598 deaths, nervous system diseases with 8,482 deaths, and diabetes with 7,773 deaths make up the figures.

Ischemic heart diseases are the leading cause of death for men, while women primarily succumb to natural causes such as ischemic heart diseases, cerebrovascular diseases, and respiratory failure.