DISEASES OF THE HEART AND BLOOD VESSELS (I00-I99)
Deaths caused by Diseases of the heart and blood vessels (I00-I99) accounted for 631 Indigenous deaths in 2008, 26% of all Indigenous deaths. The two most common types of circulatory system diseases that contributed to Indigenous deaths were Ischaemic heart diseases (I20-I25) and Cerebrovascular disease [Stroke] (I60-I69).
Ischaemic heart diseases (I20-I25), which include angina, blocked arteries of the heart and heart attacks, were the underlying cause of death for 331 (13%) deaths of Indigenous people. Ischaemic heart diseases were the leading cause of death of non-Indigenous people in 2008, accounting for 17% of deaths throughout Australia. Median age at death for Indigenous people who died from Ischaemic heart diseases in 2008 was 59.8 years, compared with 84.1 years for non-Indigenous people. The sex ratio for Indigenous people who died from Ischaemic heart diseases in 2008 was 153 males per 100 females.
Strokes (I60-I69), which include haemorrhages, strokes, infarctions and blocked arteries of the brain, accounted for 114 Indigenous deaths in 2008, 4.6% of all Indigenous deaths. This compared with 8.4% of deaths of non-Indigenous people. Median age at death was 70.0 years, compared with 85.4 years for non-Indigenous people throughout Australia. There was no difference in the sex ratio for Indigenous people who died from Strokes in 2008.
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