Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in Australia, but new statistics point to a disturbing rate of drug-induced deaths.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics on Wednesday reported there were 158,493 deaths in Australia last year, a drop in the number and rate of death compared to 2017.

Heart disease was the leading cause of death overall, followed by dementia, stroke, lung cancer and lower respiratory diseases.

ABS health statistics director James Eynstone-Hinkins said there were more than three deaths a day in 2018 where opioid drugs were a factor.

Of the 1,123 opioid drug-related deaths, the most common were accidental overdoses among middle-aged males.

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Deaths associated with heroin have been increasing since the year 2000, with 438 heroin-induced deaths recorded in 2018.

However, in the past two years a decrease in deaths relating to natural and semi-synthetic opioids has seen the overall opioid-induced death rate fall marginally.

Suicide was the leading cause of death among people 15 to 44 years of age.

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Cancers accounted for more than 30 per cent of all deaths in 2018 with lung cancer remaining the leading cause of cancer deaths for both men and women.

Prostate cancer and breast cancer were the sixth-ranked cause for men and women, accounting for 3,264 and 2,999 deaths respectively.

Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467 and Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 (up to age 25).

More information about mental health is available at Beyond Blue.