Heart Disease Rates by Country 2024

1. Russia

Russia has the highest rate of heart disease compared to other countries worldwide. Russia has 1,752 cardiovascular deaths per every 100,000 people every year. Nearly 60% of all deaths in Russia can be attributed to heart disease. This country has the highest mortality rate due to heart disease compared to any other developed nation in the world. The majority of deaths related to CVD occur in the Northwestern territories of Russia.

2. Hungary

For every 100,00 people, roughly 1,330 people die every year from cardiovascular disease in Hungary. This country has the second-highest rate of heart disease in the world. Compared to other countries, Hungary has some of the worst dietary habits, which could contribute to ongoing heart disease. Rich and heavy foods are related to increased heart disease in the country. In 2012 a sugar tax was imposed to help lessen heart disease that develops due to obesity.

3. Romania

Nearly 1,283 people for every 100,00 people die each year due to heart disease in Romania. A recent survey determined a whopping 3.5% of the total population was at risk of developing heart disease in the future, with males being at much greater risk than females. Nearly 5.4% of males versus 1.7% of females were at risk for developing cardiovascular disease. High blood pressure was a leading contributor to heart disease. Further, smoking amounts for nearly 30% of the Romanian population and also contributes to heart disease.

4. Bulgaria

In Bulgaria, 1,250 people for every 100,000 die each year from cardiovascular disease. The main culprits of CVD deaths in Bulgaria are stroke or coronary artery disease. Nearly 60% of all the deaths occurring in Bulgaria are related to heart disease. In recent years, heart disease has impacted younger populations in Bulgaria, seeing significant spikes in the 30 to 40-year age range. The National Heart Hospital in Bulgaria has started a new campaign to grow CVD awareness and decrease future deaths related to heart disease.

5. Poland

Each year, 1,171 people per every 100,000 people in the population die from heart disease in Poland. Sadly, in recent years, heart disease-related deaths have increased from 17% to 25%. This statistic makes heart disease the leading cause of death in the country. The main factors contributing to heart disease include lack of physical activity, smoking, and high cholesterol levels.

6. Czech Republic

In the Czech Republic, roughly 1,077 people for every 100,000 people in the population die from heart disease. In all CVD deaths, coronary heart disease was responsible for 34%. Other leading causes of heart disease and death include high cholesterol, high blood pressure, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and sedentary lifestyle choices.

7. Argentina

Nearly 993 people for every 100,000 people die in Argentina every year from heart disease. The leading factor contributing to heart disease-related deaths in Argentina is a sedentary lifestyle. Nearly 17% of all heart disease-related deaths can be traced to people who get fewer than 600 minutes per week of exercise, elevating the heart rate.

8. China

Rounding our list of the highest rate of heart disease in countries is China. In China, about 931 people for every 100,000 people die from heart disease every year. That number correlates to nearly 230 million people every year dying from heart disease. One in every five adults in China has some sort of cardiovascular disease. Based on current statistical trends, a 50% increase in cardiovascular disease is expected to occur between 2010 and 2030.