Global Burden of Cardiovascular Diseases Surges, Causing 1 in 3 Deaths in 2023

In 2023, cardiovascular diseases (CVD) remained the leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for approximately one-third of all global fatalities. According to the latest special report from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study, published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology (JACC), the burden of CVD has grown considerably, driven by factors such as population growth, aging populations, and increasing exposure to risk factors like obesity and diabetes.

The study estimates that there were around 19.2 million deaths due to CVD in 2023, up from 13.1 million in 1990. Additionally, CVD contributed to 437 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), marking a 16-fold variation among different countries—highlighting stark disparities based on geography and economic status. The leading cardiovascular causes of DALYs include ischemic heart disease, intracerebral hemorrhage, ischemic stroke, and hypertensive heart disease.

An important insight from the report is that a significant 79.6% of the CVD burden in 2023 was linked to modifiable risk factors. These include high systolic blood pressure, high body mass index (BMI), elevated fasting plasma glucose, air pollution, lead exposure, and non-optimal temperatures. Notably, environmental risks like ambient air pollution caused nearly 4 million cardiovascular deaths in 2023, with Oceania experiencing the highest rates despite overall global declines.

While efforts to reduce exposure to tobacco and air pollution have shown some success, the increasing prevalence of risk factors related to metabolic health—such as obesity and diabetes—continues to drive the rising toll of CVD. Men generally face higher mortality from cardiovascular conditions than women, especially after age 50.

The report emphasizes the necessity for tailored health policies based on local risk profiles. Countries with the least resources are experiencing the fastest growth in CVD burden, underscoring the importance of effective interventions. The findings are presented during a high-profile event at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, aiming to prioritize heart health globally.

According to Dr. Harlan Krumholz, Editor-in-Chief of JACC, the research reveals significant geographic variations that cannot be solely explained by income levels, highlighting the need for personalized and region-specific health strategies. The report underscores that addressing preventable risks with proven treatment strategies could save millions of lives worldwide.