Did you know heart and circulatory diseases cause 1 in 3 deaths worldwide?

Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs) include conditions like heart attacks, strokes, atherosclerosis (where arteries harden and narrow), ischemic heart disease, high blood pressure, and cardiomyopathies (diseases of the heart muscle).

According to Dr. Marta Farrero, head of the Heart Failure Unit at the Hospital Clínic Barcelona,

“Most of the patients we see tend to be older people. Heart failure is the most common disease in the field of cardiology, and we see that its prevalence is increasing because of the ageing population and the increase in risk factors..”

— Dr. Marta Farrero

While Dr. Farrero's insights about older people being more affected by heart disease are accurate, it is also important to realize that preventative measures should be taken early in life. 

Dr. Laurence S. Sperling, a leading expert in preventive cardiology, was asked about preventative measures and their importance. He explained that "all cardiologists—regardless of whether they are an electrophysiologist, heart failure specialist, or adult congenital specialist—should focus on prevention. It should be part of their work. There will be a greater need for people with subspecialty training in preventive cardiology.”

Dr Sperling’s comments predict a future where specialists work more collaboratively, using advanced therapies to tackle heart disease even before it develops. The field is clearly moving towards a more holistic and proactive approach, aiming to keep people healthier longer.

We’ve compiled a list of statistics and trends about cardiovascular diseases to help you understand their scope better. 

Cardiovascular Disease Death Toll Statistics

The World Heart Federation (WHF) published a report that showed that deaths from heart disease increased worldwide from 12.1 million in 1990 to 20.5 million in 2021.13 

Professor Fausto Pinto, co-author of the report and former WHF President, said, " The data doesn’t lie. This report confirms the serious threat that cardiovascular disease poses all over the world, particularly in low—and middle-income countries.”

He went on to add that:

“Up to 80% of premature heart attacks and strokes can be prevented. It’s vital that countries prioritize rolling out tools and policies to protect people from CVD.”

— Professor Fausto Pinto

Another significant statistic is that cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death globally. In 2019 alone, more than 6 million people aged between 30 and 70 years died from CVDs.14

So, why is this the case in today's world?

First, our lifestyles have changed dramatically. Many of us lead sedentary lives, spending hours sitting at desks or on couches, which can negatively impact our heart health.

Stress levels like cortisol also run through the roof. Juggling work, family, and social commitments can lead to chronic stress, which has been linked to heart disease. Additionally, smoking and alcohol consumption remain significant contributors to heart problems.

Healthcare access and quality vary widely around the globe. In many places, people lack access to regular checkups, early diagnosis, and effective treatment for heart conditions. This delay in diagnosis and treatment can lead to bad health outcomes.

It’s clear that the death toll due to cardiovascular disease has risen over the years, and prevention is a key measure most specialists are focusing on. We sourced some statistics to provide a holistic overview of the situation and what can be done.  

  • Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats, working out daily, and not smoking can prevent 80% of early deaths (i.e., before age 60).3
  • CVD comprises heart diseases and strokes, which are the leading causes of people being ill and dying across the whole world. Every year, 17 million deaths occur due to it, meaning it accounts for 31% of all deaths across the globe.3
  • Heart diseases killed 14 million people globally in 2000. This number increased to almost 18 million in 2019 due to population growth and increased cardiovascular disease.4,6
  • CVD was one of the most significant factors contributing to people’s death in the US in 2020, and the overall death toll stood at 928,741.5
  • More than half of the deaths from CVDs occur in young people under the age of 65.3 
  • The figures estimate that early deaths occurring in workers aged between 35 and 64 years will rise by 41% by the year 2030.3
  • Heart disease and stroke kill 215 people each day in South Africa.3

  • More than three-quarters of deaths from cardiovascular diseases happen in low- and middle-income countries.6,11
  • Out of the 17 million people under the age of 70 who died in 2019, 38% of them had CVDs as the cause of death.6
  • In 2021, these diseases caused an estimated 20.5 million deaths.7

  • Coronary heart disease causes the deaths of around nine million people every year.7
  • Approximately 1 in 6 deaths worldwide are due to coronary heart disease.7
  • In 2019, stroke was the world's second leading cause of death, resulting in approximately 6.6 million fatalities.7
  • Stroke causes 1 in 9 deaths worldwide.7
  • Globally, congenital heart disease is the direct cause of at least 220,000 deaths each year.7
  • CVD is the leading cause of death in Australia, accounting for about 24% of all deaths. On average, around 120 people in Australia die from CVD each day, which is about one person every 12 minutes.8
Since CVD is a major issue in Australia, The Cardiovascular Health Mission, a research fund worth $220 million, is being used to improve heart health and reduce stroke in Australia.

The statistics provide interesting insights into CVD death. While it primarily targets older people (as Dr. Marta Farrero confirmed), it’s important to see how younger people can also be affected. 

In an interview about sudden cardiac deaths in athletes, Dr. Peter Yan had this to say, “For young athletes below the age of 35, a common cause of sudden cardiac death is not heart attack but congenital, inherited conditions, the commonest being hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. This is a condition where there is thickening of the muscles of the heart and also resultant fibrosis of the muscles of the heart, i.e., scarring of the heart.”  

This proves that even seemingly healthy individuals could suffer the adverse effects of heart disease.    

Cardiovascular Disease Statistics by Demographics

We’re touching on this topic because it’s important to note that heart disease disproportionately affects racial and ethnic minorities.  

According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “the life expectancy of non-Hispanic/Black Americans is four years lower than that of White Americans.”  

Cedars-Sinai cardiologist Merije Chukumerije, MD, says,

“If a Black man or woman in their 20s or 30s appears to have high cholesterol or high blood pressure, then we should address these health risks from the start.”

— Merije Chukumerije, MD

  • 47% of Black adults have heart disease in the U.S. compared to 36% of white adults.9
  • Hispanic women are more than twice as likely to have diabetes compared to white women.9
  • American Indians are three times more likely to have diabetes than white people.9
  • Black men are 70% more likely to have heart failure than white men.9
  • Black women are 50% more likely to have heart failure than white women.9
  • Black adults are twice as likely as white adults to be hospitalized for heart failure. They also stay in the hospital longer and are more likely to be readmitted within 90 days.9
  • Asian adults are less likely to have coronary artery disease than other groups. However, Asian Indian men, Filipino men, and Filipino women have a higher risk compared to white people.9
  • Young Hispanic women who have a heart attack are at a higher risk of dying than young Hispanic men. They also have a higher risk of dying compared to young Black adults and young white adults.9
  • Ischemic heart disease (when narrowed or blocked arteries reduce blood flow to the heart) is the top cause of early death in 146 countries for men and 98 countries for women.11
In 2019, there were more women than men with heart and circulatory diseases.7
  • Heart and circulatory diseases caused the deaths of 9.8 million men and 9.2 million women in 2019.7
  • It is estimated that 200 million people in the world have coronary heart disease.7
  • Fifty-six million women and 45 million men have survived strokes.7
  • At least 64 million people worldwide are estimated to have heart failure.7
  • 1.2 million babies are diagnosed with congenital heart disease each year, which averages to 3,300 babies per day, or one diagnosis every 26 seconds.7
  • Someone is hospitalized for heart disease almost every minute.8

Statistics on the Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease

High blood pressure or hypertension is the largest contributor to heart disease compared to other factors.3

Cardiologist Dr. Pavel Poláček says, “Untreated high blood pressure accelerates the rate of atherosclerosis (buildup of plaque and hardening of the arteries), damaging the heart muscle, kidneys, and possibly the brain.” 

He also reiterated the points that other experts have made about prevention, stating,

“If hypertension is diagnosed early and treated effectively and no other risk factors are present, the risk of the above complications is comparable to that of a healthy population.”

— Dr. Pavel Poláček

  • Every year, there are about 6 million dead around the world due to smoking itself or passive smoking. Smoking is CVD's second-biggest reason after high blood pressure.3
  • No level of exposure to secondhand smoke is safe. Non-smokers exposed to secondhand smoke have a 25–30% greater risk of developing CVD. Secondhand smoke has a toll of 600,000 deaths annually worldwide. Children account for 28% of the fatalities. CVD accounts for over 80% of adult deaths from secondhand smoke.3
  • More than 80% of deaths from heart and circulatory diseases are related to modifiable risk factors.7

  • Black women are twice as likely as white women to develop high blood pressure during pregnancy, raising their future risk of heart disease.9
  • In a study of suburban residents aged 18 to 76, the rates of heart disease risk factors were 31.9% overweight/obese, 6.1% diabetes, 33.6% high blood pressure, 30.3% elevated apoB levels, and 11.6% metabolic syndrome.12
  • Nutrition plays a crucial role in significantly reducing cardiovascular risk factors and lowering the risk of developing CVD.14

One of the most extensive prospective cohort studies on the Mediterranean diet in women was the Nurse’s Health Study (NHS) in the United States, which followed over 74,000 women aged 30 to 55 for 20 years.14

  • It was found that sticking closely to the Mediterranean diet was linked to a 29% lower risk of coronary heart disease.14
  • From these studies, the risk of CVD decreased by 19% in women and by 17% in men.14

Statistics on the Cost of Cardiovascular Disease

Heart disease and its risk factors account for a significant share of global healthcare costs.

According to the American Heart Association, that cost will triple by 2050 if not controlled, particularly factoring in growth in the American population's aging, increase in diversity, and continued high rates of factors like high blood pressure and obesity.

  • Between 2018 and 2019, the total cost of CVD was $407.3 billion. This included $251.4 billion in direct medical expenses and $155.9 billion in lost productivity and mortality.5
  • Each year, about $5 billion is spent on public hospital services for people with CVD. This makes up 11% of all hospital admission costs, the largest share for any disease group.8
  • According to Health Canada, CVD accounted for 11.6% of the total healthcare costs in Canada that can be categorized by diagnosis.10
  • CVD was the most expensive disease in Canada, costing $21.2 billion in total. This includes both direct and indirect costs. Musculoskeletal diseases came next at $18.8 billion, and cancer followed at $16.3 billion. Of the $7.8 billion spent directly on CVD, 61% was for hospital stays, 26% for medications, and 12% for doctor visits.10
  • In 2006, the American Heart Association reported that the total cost of CVD in the USA was $457.4 billion. Of this, $292.3 billion (64%) were direct costs.10
  • The share of indirect costs in the total cost of CVD differed between Canada and the USA (11% in Canada and 63% in the USA). However, 75% of these indirect costs in both countries were due to lost productivity from early deaths.10
  • Two other studies in the USA, using claims databases or population health surveys, found that hospitalization costs comprised about 40% of the total direct medical costs for CVD. Physician costs accounted for roughly 13% to 15% of these total costs.10
  • In another study of working women, drug costs made up 16% of the direct medical costs, which is close to the American Heart Association's estimate. A higher percentage of drug costs (32.8%) was seen in a Medicaid dataset.10
  • Cardiovascular disease made up 12% of Europe's total healthcare spending in 2006.10

  • 38% of the total cost of cardiovascular disease in Europe came from indirect costs like lost work time (21% of the total cost) and unofficial care (17%).10
  • It was found that stroke prices made up 2.7% of all Ontario healthcare costs. This information came from both public and private sources.10
  • Acute care hospitals were the most expensive place to get care, accounting for 49.7% of all medical costs. After that came the costs of rehab hospitals (12.5%), private care facilities (11.3%), medical services (10.1%), and home care (9%).10
  • Only 1.6% of the direct medical costs of treating a stroke were for drugs and doctors' fees. 10
  • Disability costs ($121.2 million) and early death costs ($279.6 million) made up 38.3% of all the costs of strokes in Ontario.10
  • The initial hospitalization and follow-up costs were quite different for each type of stroke.  
    • For hemorrhagic strokes, 23% of the costs were for initial hospitalization and 77% for follow-up. 10
    • For ischemic strokes, 36% of the costs were for initial hospitalization and 64% for follow-up. 10 
    • For transient ischemic attacks, 9% of the costs were for initial hospitalization and 91% for follow-up. 10
  • Caregiver costs were part of these follow-up costs. They made up 27% of the total one-year follow-up costs for transient ischemic attacks ($17,769), 12% of the total costs for ischemic strokes ($53,576), and 11% of the total costs for hemorrhagic strokes ($56,573).10
  • The direct medical costs of hypertension are made up of drug costs (51.2%), hospitalization costs (23.5%), and healthcare professional visit costs (20.4%).10
  • From the viewpoint of a USA employer, the yearly cost of hypertension per employee was estimated to be $150, with $99 of that amount spent on medication.10
  • In Italy, a study by Berto et al. found that the biggest part (46%) of the medical costs for treating high blood pressure came from medications. Visits to general practitioners comprised 21% of the costs; hospital stays 15%, and lab tests 13%.10
  • A large managed care claims database study found that the six-month healthcare cost for CHF in the USA is $3,283 per patient.10
  • In comparison, the yearly cost per patient with CHF was found to be $3,802, based on a state Medicaid dataset analysis.10
  • A Markov model estimated that treating 616,900 new annual cases of coronary artery disease (CAD) in the USA would cost $9 billion in the first year, $15 billion over five years, and $20.5 billion over ten years.10
  • The yearly medical costs for CAD in the USA were $53.7 billion when CAD was the primary diagnosis and $121.9 billion when CAD was listed anywhere in the diagnosis, according to different public and private databases in the USA.10
  • In a look back at a managed care database, hospital stays and drug costs made up 72% and 7% of the two-year medical expenses for patients with newly diagnosed acute coronary syndrome (ACS).10
  • Using detailed patient information and modeling methods, Eisenstein et al. found that about 50% of the medical costs for ACS happen during the acute phase (the initial period after the condition occurs).10

CVD and stroke are significant contributors to healthcare costs worldwide, including large-scale direct medical outlays and indirect costs from lost productivity. Findings show that inpatient care, medications, and follow-up care mainly contribute to direct costs. 

In fact, in all three study areas (Ontario, the USA, and Italy), findings show that acute care and rehabilitation are significant components of the cost caused by stroke. In addition, the price of treating hypertension is primarily driven by medication, both in the USA and Italy. 

Global Cardiovascular Disease Statistics

Cardiovascular diseases are prevalent in every part of the world, but the highest mortality rate is reported in countries located in Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. Major causal factors include high systolic blood pressure, high ApoB levels, unhealthy food, and air pollution.

Gregory A. Roth, MD, MPH, senior author of the paper, associate professor in the Division of Cardiology, and director of the Program in Cardiovascular Health Metrics at the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington, said,

“Cardiovascular diseases are a persistent challenge that leads to an enormous number of premature and preventable deaths. There are many inexpensive, effective treatments. We know what risk factors we need to identify and treat. There are simple healthy choices that people can make to improve their health.”

— Gregory A. Roth, MD, MPH

  • 2% of deaths from heart diseases are caused by rheumatic heart disease.6
  • Around 620 million people worldwide have heart and circulatory diseases. This number is increasing because of changing lifestyles, an aging and growing population, and better survival rates from heart attacks and strokes. If these trends continue, the number will keep rising.7
  • Every year, about 60 million people worldwide get a heart or circulatory disease.7

  • It is estimated that at least 13 million people around the world have congenital heart disease, a condition present at birth that affects the structure and function of the heart; there might be millions more who have not yet been diagnosed.7
  • One in 6 people in Australia say they have cardiovascular disease, which is more than 4.5 million people.8
  • In 2019, the North Africa and Middle East regions had the second-highest death rates. For men, it was 376.7 per 100,000 people, and for women, it was 339.8 per 100,000.11
  • Ischemic heart disease is the top cause of CVD deaths globally, except for women in Sub-Saharan Africa.11 
  • In 2019, the death rate for cardiomyopathy (any disorder that affects the heart muscle) and myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle) in men was over three times higher in Central and Eastern Europe and Central Asia (28.5 per 100,000) than in Sub-Saharan Africa (8.4 per 100,000) and thirty times higher than in South Asia (0.8 per 100,000).11
  • In 2019, nearly a third of the countries (six out of 21) in the North Africa and Middle East region had more women dying from heart disease than men.11
  • Significant differences were found in Qatar (464.6 deaths per 100,000 women compared to 301.9 per 100,000 men), Egypt (600.0 per 100,000 women compared to 491.6 per 100,000 men), and Algeria (447.7 per 100,000 women compared to 371.5 per 100,000 men).11
  • Likewise, in 13 out of 46 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, women had higher death rates from CVDs than men.11

CVDs are among the world's leading killers and worsen due to lifestyle and demographic transitions. Peter Attia, MD (Founder of Early Medical) made a valid point when he said that early interventions and aggressive treatment of apoB levels could prevent plaque buildup in arteries.

He added that this disease often starts at a young age; therefore, management must be comprehensive, involving medication, diet, and lifestyle.

We hope you found our statistics helpful. If you are interested in a full-body checkup, book a scan with us today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common symptoms of cardiovascular diseases?

The reason for the cardiovascular illness will affect its symptoms. Older folks and those designated females at birth might have more subdued symptoms. They can still have major cardiovascular disease, though.16

Signs of heart problems

  • Angina, or discomfort in the chest.
  • Sometimes referred to as a "belt around the chest" or a "weight on the chest," chest pressure, heaviness, or pain.
  • Dyspnea and shortness of breath.
  • Fainting or dizziness.
  • Tiredness or weariness.16

Symptoms of blockages in blood arteries in your body

  • Leg cramps or pain as you walk.
  • Leg sores are non-healing.
  • Legs with either cool or red skin.
  • Leg swells.
  • Numbness in a limb or your face. You could find this on only one side of your body.
  • Problems with seeing, walking, or communicating.16

What conditions are cardiovascular diseases?

Cardiovascular diseases encompass a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:

  • Arrhythmia: Issues with the heart's electrical conduction system, leading to abnormal heart rhythms or rates.16
  • Valve Disease: Tightening or leaking in the heart valves, which control blood flow between chambers or blood vessels.16
  • Coronary Artery Disease: Problems with the heart's blood vessels, such as blockages.16
  • Heart Failure: Impaired heart pumping or relaxing functions, resulting in fluid buildup and shortness of breath.16
  • Peripheral Artery Disease: Narrowing or blockages in the blood vessels of the arms, legs, or abdominal organs.16
  • Aortic Disease: Conditions affecting the large blood vessel that directs blood from the heart to the brain and the rest of the body, such as dilation or aneurysms.16
  • Congenital Heart Disease: Heart defects present at birth, affecting various heart parts.16
  • Pericardial Disease: The heart's lining issues, including pericarditis and pericardial effusion.16
  • Cerebrovascular Disease: Conditions affecting the blood vessels that supply blood to the brain, such as narrowing or blockages.16
  • Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): Blockages in the veins that return blood from the brain and body to the heart.16

What are cardiovascular disease risk factors?

You may have an increased likelihood of developing cardiovascular disease if you possess the following risk factors:

  • High blood pressure (hypertension)16
  • High cholesterol (hyperlipidemia)16
  • Tobacco use (including vaping)16
  • Type 2 diabetes16
  • Family history of heart disease16
  • Lack of physical activity16
  • Excess weight or obesity16
  • A diet high in sodium, sugar, and fat16
  • Overuse of alcohol16
  • Misuse of prescription or recreational drugs16
  • Preeclampsia or toxemia16
  • Gestational diabetes16
  • Chronic inflammatory or autoimmune conditions16
  • Chronic kidney disease16

What tests might I have for cardiovascular disease?

Standard tests for diagnosing cardiovascular disease include:

  • Blood Work: Measures substances indicating cardiovascular health, such as cholesterol, blood sugar levels, and specific proteins. It can also detect blood clotting issues.16
  • Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI): This measure compares blood pressure in the ankles and arms to diagnose peripheral artery disease.16
  • Electrocardiogram (EKG): Records the heart's electrical activity.16
  • Ambulatory Monitoring: Wearable devices track heart rhythm and rate.16
  • Echocardiogram: Sound waves create heartbeat and blood flow images.16
  • Ultrasound: Employs sound waves to check blood flow in the legs or neck.16
  • Cardiac Computed Tomography (CT): Uses X-rays and computer processing to create 3D heart and blood vessel images.16
  • Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Uses magnets and radio waves to create highly detailed images of the heart.16
  • MR Angiogram or CT Angiogram: This procedure uses MRI or CT technology to visualize blood vessels in the legs, head, and neck.16
  • Stress Tests: Analyzes how physical activity affects the heart in a controlled setting using exercise or medications, often involving EKGs or imaging tests.16
  • Cardiac Catheterization: Uses a thin, hollow tube to measure pressure and blood flow in the heart.16

How can I prevent cardiovascular disease?

While congenital heart disease cannot be prevented, you can reduce the risk of many other types of cardiovascular disease through lifestyle changes. To lower your cardiovascular risks, consider the following steps:

  • Avoid all tobacco products (including vaping).16
  • Manage other health conditions like Type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure.16
  • Achieve and maintain a healthy weight.16
  • Eat a diet low in saturated fat and sodium.16
  • Exercise for at least 30 to 60 minutes most days.16
  • Reduce and manage stress.16

Sources

  1. Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs)
  2. Frequently Asked Questions About Heart Disease
  3. Cardiovascular Disease Statistics Reference Document
  4. Cardiovascular Diseases
  5. Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics
  6. Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs)
  7. Global Heart & Circulatory Diseases Fact Sheet
  8. Statistics and information on cardiovascular disease in Australia
  9. How Race and Ethnicity Impact Heart Disease
  10. A review of the cost of cardiovascular disease
  11. The Heart of the World
  12. Prevalence of risk factors for cardiovascular disease
  13. Deaths From Cardiovascular Diseases
  14. National Library of Medicine
  15. Cardiovascular disease costs by 2050
  16. Cardiovascular Disease