Are Cardiovascular Diseases Responsible for 1 in 3 Global Deaths in 2023?
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Synopsis
A recent study reveals that cardiovascular diseases are responsible for one in three deaths worldwide in 2023. The dramatic rise in mortality rates from CVD highlights the need for tailored health policies to combat this growing epidemic.
Key Takeaways
- Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) account for one in three global deaths in 2023.
- 19.2 million deaths attributed to CVD, a significant increase since 1990.
- Rising rates of obesity and diabetes are major contributors to CVD mortality.
- Men show higher mortality rates than women, especially after age 50.
- 79.6% of CVD DALYs are linked to modifiable risk factors.
New Delhi, Sep 24 (NationPress) Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) continue to be the primary source of health burden, accounting for one out of every three deaths globally in 2023, as per a study released on Wednesday.
The findings indicate a significant increase in the number of deaths attributed to cardiovascular diseases, rising to 19.2 million in 2023 from 13.1 million in 1990.
This surge in heart-related fatalities is largely driven by factors such as population growth, aging, and a variety of risk factors, including the rising prevalence of obesity and diabetes, according to the report derived from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study, published today in JACC.
In 2023, approximately 240 million individuals were affected by ischemic heart disease, while 122 million faced challenges due to lower extremity peripheral arterial disease; stroke continues to be a significant cause of death and disability across all regions.
Data revealed that men generally exhibit higher cardiovascular mortality rates than women across most regions, with risk factors increasing dramatically after the age of 50.
The analysis identified high body mass index and elevated fasting plasma glucose as the most rapidly growing metabolic contributors between 2018 and 2023, reflecting global trends in obesity and diabetes.
Gregory A. Roth, a Professor in the Division of Cardiology at the University of Washington, remarked, “The observation that the burden of CVD is significantly higher outside of the most developed regions, even when accounting for population age differences, is a critical conclusion from this analysis.”
“Our findings highlight considerable geographic variations in CVD burden that cannot be solely attributed to income levels. This variation provides an opportunity to customize local health policies to address the most pressing risks for specific populations,” she added.
Researchers assessed the burden caused by 376 diseases, including CVD, from 1990 to 2023 across 204 countries using comprehensive data and statistical models.
CVD continues to be the leading cause of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) and deaths globally estimated in the GBD. In 2023, there were 437 million CVD DALYs, with a staggering 16-fold difference between countries with the lowest and highest CVD DALY rates.
This marks a 1.4-fold increase from the 320 million CVD DALYs recorded in 1990.
Notably, 79.6% of all CVD DALYs globally in 2023 were linked to modifiable risk factors, which have surged globally by 97.4 million since 1990, primarily due to population growth and aging.
The leading risk factors encompass metabolic issues, such as high body mass index (BMI) and elevated fasting plasma glucose, along with behavioral and environmental factors, including air pollution, lead exposure, and rising temperatures.
Point of View
I recognize the alarming trends reported in cardiovascular diseases. This data serves as a wake-up call for national health systems to intensify their focus on preventive measures and tailored health policies. Understanding the unique regional challenges is imperative to address this growing crisis effectively.
NationPress
24/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are cardiovascular diseases?
Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) refer to a range of conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels, including ischemic heart disease, stroke, and peripheral arterial disease.
What factors contribute to the rise in CVD?
Major contributors include population growth, aging, obesity, diabetes, and lifestyle choices such as diet and physical activity.
How does CVD impact global health?
CVD is the leading cause of death and disability worldwide, significantly affecting healthcare systems and economic stability.
What can be done to reduce the risk of CVD?
Preventive measures such as maintaining a healthy weight, regular exercise, balanced diet, and managing diabetes can significantly reduce CVD risk.
Are there regional differences in CVD prevalence?
Yes, there are significant geographic disparities in CVD prevalence and mortality rates, influenced by socioeconomic factors and healthcare access.
