5 Main Causes of Death in Portugal
The health of the Portuguese population has improved over the years, but some diseases remain the main causes of mortality in the country. Understanding the main causes of death allows us to raise awareness and adopt healthier habits to prevent disease and improve quality of life.
In this article, we analyze the five main causes of death in Portugal , based on the most recent data, and provide some tips for reducing the associated risks.
1. Cardiovascular Diseases ❤️
Cardiovascular diseases, such as myocardial infarction and stroke , continue to be the leading cause of death in Portugal. These diseases affect the heart and blood vessels and are often the result of an unhealthy lifestyle.
Main risk factors:
✅ High blood pressure (hypertension)
✅ High cholesterol
✅ Sedentary lifestyle
✅ Smoking
✅ Unhealthy eating
How to prevent?
✔️ Practice physical activity regularly
✔️ Maintain a balanced diet (low in salt and saturated fats)
✔️ Control blood pressure and cholesterol
✔️ Avoid tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption
2. Cancer 🎗️
Cancer is one of the diseases that most affects the Portuguese population, with lung, colon, and breast cancer being the most common. Early diagnosis significantly increases the chances of successful treatment.
Main risk factors:
✅ Smoking (strongly associated with lung cancer)
✅ Excessive sun exposure (skin cancer)
✅ Diet rich in processed foods and low in fiber
✅ Excessive alcohol consumption
✅ Lack of preventive screenings
How to prevent?
✔️ Have regular screenings (mammography, colonoscopy, dermatological exams)
✔️ Avoid smoking and reduce alcohol consumption
✔️ Maintain a healthy and balanced diet
✔️ Use sunscreen daily
3. Respiratory Diseases 🫁
Respiratory diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and pneumonia , are another leading cause of death in Portugal. These conditions primarily affect smokers and people exposed to pollution or toxic substances.
Main risk factors:
✅ Smoking (main cause of COPD)
✅ Exposure to pollutants and irritants
✅ Untreated respiratory infections
✅ Low immunity in the elderly and chronically ill
How to prevent?
✔️ Quit smoking
✔️ Avoid polluted places and places with contaminated air
✔️ Treat respiratory infections quickly
✔️ Keep your vaccinations up to date (such as flu and pneumonia)
4. Diabetes 🍭
Diabetes, especially type 2 diabetes , is a chronic disease that affects an increasing number of Portuguese people. If left unchecked, it can lead to serious complications, such as cardiovascular disease, kidney failure, and amputations.
Main risk factors:
✅ Diet rich in sugar and saturated fats
✅ Overweight and obesity
✅ Lack of physical activity
✅ Family history of diabetes
How to prevent?
✔️ Reduce consumption of sugars and processed foods
✔️ Practice physical exercise regularly
✔️ Monitor blood glucose levels
✔️ Maintain a healthy weight
5. Alzheimer's Disease and Other Dementias 🧠
With the aging population, neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's , are becoming a leading cause of death in Portugal. These diseases affect patients' memory, reasoning, and autonomy.
Main risk factors:
✅ Advanced age
✅ Family history of Alzheimer's
✅ Sedentary lifestyle and little cognitive stimulation
✅ Hypertension and high cholesterol
How to prevent?
✔️ Keep your brain active with reading, games and new challenges
✔️ Practice physical activity regularly
✔️ Follow a balanced diet rich in omega-3 and antioxidants
✔️ Control blood pressure and cholesterol
Conclusion
Although some of these diseases have a genetic component, adopting a healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce the risk of developing many of them . Staying active, eating a balanced diet, avoiding tobacco, and getting regular checkups are essential steps to a longer, healthier life.
If you want to take care of your health and prevent these diseases, start adopting healthy habits today!
🚀 Do you have any healthy habits you follow daily? Share them in the comments!
