Cardiovascular Diseases Linked to One-Third of Deaths Worldwide in 2023: Study - Video

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) continue to be the top global killer, responsible for one in every three deaths in 2023, according to a new study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology (JACC). The number of deaths due to CVD skyrocketed to 19.2 million in 2023, up from 13.1 million in 1990, driven by population growth, ageing, and rising rates of obesity and diabetes. Ischemic heart disease and stroke affect millions worldwide, with men facing higher risks than women, especially after age 50.

High body mass index and elevated blood sugar emerged as the fastest-growing metabolic risk factors. The study, based on the Global Burden of Disease data from 204 countries, emphasizes significant geographic disparities in CVD impact that go beyond income differences. Nearly 80% of these health burdens stem from modifiable risks like obesity, poor diet, and pollution, emphasizing the critical need for targeted prevention and health policies tailored to regional needs.

REFERENCE: Global, Regional, and National Burden of Cardiovascular Diseases and Risk Factors in 204 Countries and Territories, 1990-2023. JACC. null2025, 0 (0) .https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jacc.2025.08.015