HEART disease has been the leading cause of death in Jersey for two consecutive years, according to new data published by Public Health.
The Jersey Mortality Report shows that 860 people died in 2024 – 430 men and 430 women.
This was 20 fewer deaths than in 2023, with male deaths falling by 40 and female deaths rising by 20.
When ‘standardised’ against population size, per 100,000 people, the figure remains broadly unchanged from recent years and is significantly lower than in England.
And 170 of those deaths – 60% of male and 40% of female deaths – were classed as preventable and treatable, caused primarily by cancer and diseases of the circulatory or respiratory system.
One in five deaths recorded last year were classed as ‘avoidable’ through either public health measures or timely healthcare, and almost a third of total deaths were described as ‘premature’ (under age 75).
Ischaemic heart disease was the single leading cause of death, accounting for around 90 cases in 2024 – well above the five-year average of 80.
This was slightly lower than the figure recorded in 2023 – with 110 deaths due to heart disease being the highest level seen since records began.
Among men, heart disease accounted for 14% of deaths (60 cases). Among women, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease remained the leading cause, responsible for 55 deaths (13%).
The average age at death for Islanders was 79 years – 82 for women, and 77 for men. Since 1960, the average age at death has increased by 10 years for women and 15 years for men.
The places where Islanders die have also shifted over time.
In 2024, one in three deaths occurred in hospital and one in five in Jersey Hospice.
More people are now dying at home or in care homes than a decade ago, while the proportion of hospital deaths has fallen from 55% in 2007 to 34% in 2024.
Peter Bradley, Director of Public Health, said: “The Mortality Report 2024 provides a valuable insight into the overall health of Islanders and can be used by our Islands’ health and care providers to identify interventions and plan services.
“The data reinforces the importance of prevention, early intervention, and targeted support. Cancer and cardiovascular disease remain the commonest causes of death, a pattern we have seen for many years and one that is similar to other jurisdictions. ”
“This is the second year that we have seen heart disease as the leading cause of death in Jersey.
“This shift, alongside the finding that one in five deaths were avoidable, highlights areas where we might want to enhance services and where we may need to focus our public health efforts.
“80% of heart disease is considered preventable, with more preventable deaths seen in men. These insights will help shape priorities across the Islands’ health system as a whole.”
