Heart Disease Rates by Country 2026

Heart disease can vary quite dramatically by country, influenced by factors such as diet, lifestyle, healthcare access, and population age. To compare these differences fairly, age-standardized prevalence rates are used, allowing heart disease burden to be measured across countries with very different demographics. This article examines heart disease prevalence by country, revealing where cardiovascular disease is most widespread globally, with mortality figures included as supporting context.

Countries With the Highest Heart Disease Prevalence

Turkmenistan

Turkmenistan has the highest rate of heart disease in the world, with about 12,900 people out of every 100,000 living with the condition in 2023 – the most recent data year as of early 2026. Heart disease affects a very large share of the population, not just those who die from it. Contributing factors likely include high blood pressure, smoking, limited access to preventive care, and fewer opportunities for early diagnosis and long-term treatment of heart conditions.

Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan follows closely behind, with an estimated 12,600 cases of heart disease per 100,000 people. This means roughly one in eight people is affected, making cardiovascular disease a widespread everyday health issue rather than a rare condition. Common contributors include high rates of hypertension, diets high in salt and saturated fats, tobacco use, and limited access to routine heart screenings, especially outside major cities.

Tajikistan

In Tajikistan, heart disease affects an estimated 12,200 people per 100,000, placing it among the countries with the highest cardiovascular prevalence worldwide. In practical terms, this reflects a heavy burden driven by everyday risk factors such as high blood pressure, limited physical activity, and diets low in fruits and vegetables. Access to preventive care and early diagnosis remains uneven, particularly in rural areas, which means many people only seek medical help once symptoms become severe.

Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan reports a heart disease prevalence of roughly 12,100 cases per 100,000 people, placing it firmly among the most affected countries globally. Common contributors include high rates of hypertension, smoking, and diets rich in salt and saturated fats. While access to medical care has improved in recent years, preventive screenings and long-term management of cardiovascular risk factors remain inconsistent, allowing heart disease to progress silently for many individuals before treatment begins.

Georgia

Georgia has an estimated 11,700 cases of heart disease per 100,000 people, reflecting a heavy cardiovascular burden across the population. High smoking rates among men, elevated alcohol consumption, and diets high in processed foods contribute significantly to risk. Although awareness of heart health has improved, many cases are still diagnosed late, after years of unmanaged high blood pressure or cholesterol.

Kyrgyzstan

In Kyrgyzstan, heart disease affects about 11,600 people per 100,000, making it one of the most impacted countries worldwide. Limited access to preventive healthcare, combined with widespread hypertension and low rates of regular physical activity, plays a major role. For many residents, heart disease develops gradually and remains untreated until serious complications—such as heart attacks or strokes—occur.

Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan reports roughly 10,100 cases of heart disease per 100,000 people, occupying a firm place among the higher-burden countries globally. High rates of smoking, elevated salt intake, and sedentary lifestyles are common contributing factors. While access to healthcare has improved in recent years, preventive screening and long-term management of blood pressure and cholesterol remain uneven, particularly outside major cities.

Mongolia

In Mongolia, heart disease affects approximately 9,940 people per 100,000, a figure strongly influenced by lifestyle and environmental factors. Diets high in red meat and animal fats, combined with harsh winters that limit physical activity, increase cardiovascular risk. Air pollution—especially in urban areas like Ulaanbaatar—also plays a role by exacerbating underlying heart and vascular conditions.