Recent data reveals a record low UK death rate, yet experts warn of stagnation in health improvements and ongoing concerns regarding cardiovascular diseases.
Recent findings from the Continuous Mortality Investigation (CMI) at the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries reveal that the UK death rate reached a record low, with 989 deaths per 100,000 people recorded in 2022. This figure marks a return to pre-pandemic levels and is lower than the previously recorded rate from 2019, as reported by the BBC. However, despite these statistics reflecting an improvement, experts highlight that the long-term trend shows only gradual progress, with Stuart McDonald from the CMI characterising the latest statistics as “pretty poor by historical standards.”
The report indicates that mortality rates have remained relatively flat over the past five years, pointing to a stagnation in improvements in the nation’s health. This trend is particularly notable following a significant rise in mortality during the Covid-19 pandemic, which saw a spike in deaths due to various factors, including the consequences of the pandemic on health services.
The primary cause of death in England and Wales is currently dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, with cardiovascular diseases also identified as a major health concern. The latest data indicate that cardiovascular disease continues to be the leading killer in the UK, prompting calls for action from health experts. In a statement to the Express, Professor Bryan Williams OBE, chief scientific and medical officer at the British Heart Foundation, expressed concern over the plateau in reductions in cardiovascular-related deaths, particularly emphasising the pandemic’s impact on an already stressed healthcare system. He stated, “The plateau we have seen in reducing the number of deaths…is a serious cause for concern, made worse by the impact of the pandemic on an already overstretched health service.”
The research utilised provisional weekly death registration figures from across the four nations of the UK to arrive at these statistics. Significant changes in death rates have been observed relative to socio-economic factors, with individuals in the most deprived areas in England experiencing a worrying rise in early deaths due to cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, while mortality predominantly affects older age groups, with over three-quarters of deaths occurring at or above the age of 70, the CMI has also reported an alarming upward trend in deaths among younger populations, particularly those aged 20 to 44, largely attributed to substance-related issues.
The government has indicated that it is shifting focus towards prevention strategies in health policy. The spokesperson for the Department of Health mentioned a move towards proactive health measures rather than solely addressing sickness. Nonetheless, experts, including Professor Williams, are urging the government to take “urgent action” in addressing the prevention, detection, and treatment of cardiovascular diseases, highlighting a need for renewed commitment to tackling this health crisis.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.theactuary.com/news/2022/03/09/low-uk-mortality-levels-recorded-during-2022 – This article supports the claim that UK mortality rates have shown improvements, with fewer deaths recorded in early 2022 compared to pre-pandemic levels. It also highlights the impact of COVID-19 on mortality trends.
- https://www.professionalpensions.com/news/4396476/cmi-record-low-death-rates-2024 – This source corroborates the trend of low mortality rates in recent years, noting that 2024 saw record low death rates in England and Wales, aligning with pre-pandemic levels.
- https://www.covermagazine.co.uk/news/4396228/mortality-hits-record-low-2024-cmi – This article further supports the record low mortality rates in 2024, highlighting that death rates fell across all age categories, except for those aged 20-44.
- https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/healthandsocialcare/healthinequalities/articles/healthinequalitiesinenglandandwales/2020 – This source provides data on health inequalities in England and Wales, which can support the observation of socio-economic factors influencing mortality rates.
- https://www.bhf.org.uk/what-we-do/news-from-the-bhf/news-archive/2023/october/cardiovascular-disease-deaths-plateau – This article from the British Heart Foundation supports the concern over the plateau in reducing cardiovascular-related deaths, emphasizing the impact of the pandemic on healthcare services.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative references recent data from 2022, indicating it is relatively current. However, it also discusses long-term trends and the impact of the pandemic, which might suggest some elements are not entirely new.
Quotes check
Score:
6
Notes:
The quote from Professor Bryan Williams is specific to this context, but without further online sources, it’s difficult to verify if it’s the first use. The quote from Stuart McDonald is attributed but lacks a specific date or source for verification.
Source reliability
Score:
7
Notes:
The narrative originates from the Express, a known publication, but not as highly regarded for in-depth analysis as some other outlets like the BBC or Financial Times. It references reputable sources like the CMI and the British Heart Foundation.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
The claims about mortality rates and health trends are plausible given the context of post-pandemic recovery and known health challenges in the UK. The narrative aligns with expected trends in public health discussions.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM
Summary:
The narrative appears to be generally accurate and current, with plausible claims about health trends in the UK. However, the reliability of the source and the lack of verification for some quotes slightly reduce confidence.
