Analysis of Potentials to Increase Iranian life Expectancy by Removing the Leading Causes of Mortality in 2010

Abstract Introduction: Recent studies on Iranian mortality clearly underscore the role of cardiovascular diseases, unintentional injuries, and cancers as three leading causes of reduced life expectancy during the last three decades. The purpose of current study is to measure the effect of these causes on the 2010 life table for Iran. Materials & Methods: The number of registered deaths by age, sex, and death distribution by cause for Iran in 2010 was obtained from death registration system operated by the Ministry of Health. In order to know more about the population at risk population forecast information of the Statistical Centre of Iran (SCI) was used. The obtained data were analyzed using Multiple Decrement Life Table and Kitagava analysis method. Results: The results showed that there are three leading causes of death for a potential 13-yearlost life of Iranian men and women. More detailed results indicated that cardiovascular diseases, cancers, and unintentional injuries play larger roles in this regard while men were more likely to die by unintentional injuries than women. Life expectancy of middle aged men was more affected by unintentional injuries while old aged women were more affected by cardiovascular diseases. Conclusion: Particular consideration of cardiovascular diseasesʹ risk factors of both sexs and malesʹ death by unintentional injuries was of utmost importance in reducing mortality rate and increasing life expectancy as a result.