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The major causes of death in Christchurch, as in the rest of New Zealand, are ischaemic heart disease, malignant neoplasm (cancer) and cerebrovascular disease (stroke). Collectively these conditions accounted for 63 percent of all deaths in the City in 1992 (Figure 1.25). At a national level, around 60 percent of deaths were attributable to these causes.
Source: Ministry of Health Information Service, Mortality Data
National trends over the last twenty years show that death rates[31] from ischaemic heart disease have dropped substantially, while trends in death rates from cancer vary with the type of cancer. In both cases, male death rates remain higher than female rates.
Nationally, death rates from stroke are similar for men and women. Over the last twenty years, the rate of death from this cause has declined significantly. This reduction has been associated, at least in part, with improvements in the management of hypertension. Increasing community awareness of the consequences of alcohol consumption, smoking, diet and degree of fitness may also have had a positive effect.[32]
Each age group has its own characteristic health problems causing death. Accidental death and suicide (including self inflicted injuries) are the leading causes of death in the 15-24 and 25-44 year age groups (Figure 1.26). There are significantly more male deaths in these age groups than female from accidents and suicide (i.e. 70 percent of total deaths are male).
Source: Ministry of Health Information Service, Mortality Data
In contrast, incidents of death through ischaemic heart disease, cancer and strokes increase as people get older (Figure 1.27). For Christchurch residents aged 45-64 years, ischaemic heart disease and cancer are the major killers. Heart disease in particular is a major cause of male deaths in this group.
Source: Ministry of Health Information Service, Mortality Data
Heart disease and cancer are the main cause of death for people aged over 65 years, followed by strokes and respiratory and digestive disorders. Accidents are also a significant cause of death especially for the very elderly. The number of deaths from heart disease and cancer is higher for men in the 65-74 age group, but this trend is reversed in the 75 years and over age group reflecting gender differences in life expectancy.