More than 110,000 people in England died from avoidable causes last year, according to new figures, prompting a leading cardiologist to urge earlier health screening.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) announced on Monday that 110,804 deaths in England in 2025 resulted from causes deemed preventable or treatable through effective public health interventions or prompt healthcare. That represents 20.7 per cent of all registered deaths. In Wales, an additional 8,011 deaths were categorised as avoidable, accounting for 22.4 per cent of all fatalities.
Health inequality gap
The data also reveals a striking health inequality, with men residing in England's most deprived areas almost four times more likely to die from avoidable causes compared to those in the wealthiest areas. Circulatory diseases - conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels - emerged as the second-largest category of avoidable mortality, after cancers.
Dr Francesco Lo Monaco, Harley Street-based cardiologist and founder of the National Longevity Clinic, warned the statistics highlight the significance of detecting health risks before they progress into something more severe.
Why feeling well isn't enough
He said: "One of the biggest misconceptions I encounter is that if you feel well, you must be healthy. Unfortunately, that isn't always the case. High blood pressure, raised cholesterol and early metabolic problems can develop for years without producing obvious symptoms."
"By the time somebody experiences a significant health event, the underlying risk factors may have been present for a considerable period. We need to change the mindset from treating illness when it happens to identifying risk much earlier."
The expert said preventative healthcare should not be reserved for people who are already experiencing symptoms or approaching retirement. He added: "Longevity isn't simply about trying to live to 100. It's about protecting your health and maintaining your physical and mental capabilities for as long as possible. The earlier we understand our health risks, the more opportunity we have to do something constructive about them."
Three key health checks
Dr Lo Monaco highlighted three crucial areas people ought to understand when evaluating their long-term health. He suggests that straightforward checks could prove highly beneficial.
Raised blood pressure frequently presents no clear symptoms yet can heighten the risk of heart attacks, strokes and kidney disease. The doctor warned: "A blood pressure check is one of the simplest and most important things people can do for their health. You can feel completely normal while your blood pressure is persistently elevated. Knowing your numbers means you can take appropriate action."
A comprehensive lipid profile measures various types of cholesterol and fats present in the blood. Elevated LDL cholesterol can lead to fatty deposits accumulating inside arteries. The doctor advised: "Cholesterol is particularly important because it isn't something you can judge by looking at someone. You can be slim, exercise regularly and feel healthy, but still have raised cholesterol. Family history also plays an important role."
An HbA1c blood test gauges average blood glucose levels over roughly two to three months and can assist in identifying prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. Dr Lo Monaco added: "Metabolic health is a huge part of preventative medicine. People often think diabetes only affects those who are overweight, but that's not the whole picture. Family history, age and genetics also matter. Identifying raised blood sugar early gives people an opportunity to address their risk."
A VO2 max assessment evaluates how effectively the body utilises oxygen during exercise, offering an indication of cardiorespiratory fitness. The doctor says: "Cardiovascular fitness is an important part of longevity. We shouldn't just be interested in how much someone weighs, but how well their heart and lungs support them during physical activity. Maintaining fitness and muscle strength are important for healthier ageing."
