Key takeaways
- Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): The most common type of heart disease, caused by atherosclerosis—the buildup of plaque in the coronary arteries—reducing blood flow to the heart muscle.
- Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction): Occurs when a blood clot blocks blood supply to part of the heart, causing tissue damage or death.
- Heart Failure: A condition in which the heart cannot pump blood effectively, often due to CAD, high blood pressure, or cardiomyopathy.
- Arrhythmias: Irregular heartbeats resulting from disrupted electrical signals. Includes tachycardia (fast) and bradycardia (slow) heart rates.
- Valvular Heart Diseases: Conditions involving heart valve abnormalities like stenosis (narrowing) or regurgitation (leakage), affecting blood flow through the heart.
- Cardiomyopathy: Diseases that alter heart muscle structure and function. Includes dilated, hypertrophic, and restrictive cardiomyopathy.
- Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD): Plaque buildup in arteries of the limbs, typically the legs, leading to pain, cramps, and poor circulation.
- Hypertensive Heart Disease: Caused by prolonged high blood pressure, often resulting in thickening of the heart’s left ventricle and reduced efficiency.
- Congenital Heart Defects: Structural abnormalities of the heart present at birth, ranging from mild to severe, sometimes requiring surgical correction.
Overview of heart diseases
Heart diseases, also known as cardiovascular diseases (CVD), encompass a range of conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels. These conditions can lead to various complications, including heart attacks, heart failure, and stroke. Heart diseases are a significant global health concern and a leading cause of morbidity and mortality.
Major types of heart diseases
- Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): This is the most common type of heart disease and occurs when the blood vessels supplying the heart muscle (coronary arteries) become narrowed or blocked by atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is the buildup of fatty deposits (plaque) on the artery walls, reducing blood flow to the heart muscle.
- Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction): A heart attack occurs when the blood supply to a part of the heart muscle is blocked, usually due to a blood clot. This can lead to damage or death of the heart tissue.
- Heart Failure: Heart failure is a condition where the heart is unable to pump blood effectively, leading to inadequate circulation and oxygenation of the body's tissues. It can result from various underlying causes, including coronary artery disease, hypertension, and cardiomyopathy.
- Arrhythmias: Arrhythmias are irregular heartbeats that can occur when the electrical signals controlling the heartbeat are disrupted. This can lead to a variety of conditions, including tachycardia (fast heartbeat) and bradycardia (slow heartbeat).
- Valvular Heart Diseases: These involve abnormalities of the heart valves, which regulate blood flow within the heart. Conditions such as stenosis (narrowing) or regurgitation (leakage) of the valves can affect the heart's ability to pump blood efficiently.
- Cardiomyopathy: This refers to diseases that affect the heart muscle itself, leading to changes in its structure and function. There are various types of cardiomyopathy, including dilated cardiomyopathy, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and restrictive cardiomyopathy.
- Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD): PAD occurs when there is a buildup of plaque in the arteries that supply blood to the limbs, usually the legs. This can result in reduced blood flow to the extremities, leading to pain, cramping, and difficulty walking.
- Hypertensive Heart Disease: Prolonged high blood pressure can cause damage to the heart, leading to hypertensive heart disease. It often involves left ventricular hypertrophy, where the heart's left ventricle becomes thicker and less efficient.
- Congenital Heart Defects: These are structural abnormalities present in the heart at birth. They can range from simple defects that may not cause symptoms to complex conditions requiring surgical intervention.
Facts about heart diseases
- Heart diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide, responsible for a significant portion of global mortality.
- Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is the most common type of heart disease, characterized by the narrowing or blockage of coronary arteries due to atherosclerosis.
- Common risk factors for heart diseases include high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, smoking, diabetes, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle.
- Genetics play a role in heart diseases, and individuals with a family history of cardiovascular conditions may have an increased risk.
- Heart attacks, or myocardial infarctions, can result from the rupture of a plaque in a coronary artery, leading to the formation of blood clots that block blood flow to the heart.
- While often associated with men, heart diseases are a leading cause of death in women as well, and their symptoms may differ from those in men.
- Arrhythmias can cause the heart to beat too fast, too slow, or irregularly, disrupting the normal pumping function of the heart.
- Some individuals may experience "silent ischemia," where a lack of blood flow to the heart muscle occurs without noticeable symptoms.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is a diagnostic tool used to monitor the heart's electrical activity, helping identify irregularities in rhythm and structure.
- Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) affects blood vessels outside the heart, primarily in the limbs, and can lead to pain, numbness, and difficulty walking.
- A cluster of conditions, including abdominal obesity, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and abnormal cholesterol levels can contribute to heart disease risk.
- Conditions like myocarditis and pericarditis involve inflammation of the heart muscle or the sac surrounding the heart.
- Chest pain or discomfort, known as angina, can occur when the heart muscle doesn't receive enough blood and oxygen.
- Excessive salt intake is linked to high blood pressure, a major risk factor for heart diseases.
- Untreated sleep apnea may contribute to the development and progression of heart diseases.
Major heart disease statistics
- Approximately 200 million people worldwide live with coronary heart disease, with 110 million men and 80 million women affected.
- Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death globally, responsible for 17.9 million deaths annually, including 9 million deaths from coronary heart disease.
- Annually, 805,000 heart attacks occur in the U.S., with 605,000 first-time cases and 200,000 recurrent episodes.
- 1 in 13 men aged 20 and older in the U.S. has coronary heart disease. Heart disease is responsible for 1 in 3 deaths among women globally.
- Nearly 70% of men and 69% of women aged 60–79 have cardiovascular disease, increasing to over 85% in individuals aged 80 and older.
- In 2021, 695,000 deaths in the U.S. were attributed to heart disease, accounting for 1 in every 5 deaths, with one death occurring every 33 seconds.
- Heart disease accounts for 28% of all deaths in India, contributing to 60% of the global heart disease burden.
- Globally, 1 million coronary artery bypass grafts (CABG) are performed annually, and the U.S. conducts over 500,000 angioplasty procedures.
- Heart disease accounts for 20-25% of hospitalizations worldwide, including 4.3 million hospital stays annually in the U.S..
How many people have heart disease in the world common are heart diseases?
- According to the British Heart Foundation, approximately 200 million individuals are living with coronary heart disease worldwide.
- This condition, which is characterized by the narrowing or blockage of coronary arteries due to atherosclerosis, affects around 110 million men and 80 million women.
- Coronary heart disease is responsible for an estimated nine million deaths annually on a global scale.
- Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the foremost global cause of death, claiming an estimated 17.9 million lives annually, according to the World Health Organization. These diseases, encompassing conditions like coronary artery disease and heart failure, pose a significant health and economic burden.
- In the United States, heart disease remains a leading cause of mortality. Information from the CDC reveals that in 2021 alone, about 695,000 people in the U.S. died from heart disease, accounting for 1 in every 5 deaths. The impact is stark, with one person losing their life to cardiovascular disease approximately every 33 seconds.
Heart disease statistics by type
- Coronary heart disease (CAD) stands out as the most prevalent type of heart disease, resulting in the unfortunate demise of 375,476 individuals in 2021. Approximately 1 in 20 adults aged 20 and older, constituting about 5%, are affected by CAD. Notably, in 2021, around 2 in 10 deaths attributed to CAD occurred in adults under the age of 65.
- In the United States, the alarming frequency of heart attacks is evident, with someone experiencing a heart attack every 40 seconds. Annually, an estimated 805,000 people in the U.S. undergo a heart attack, comprising 605,000 first-time occurrences and 200,000 affecting individuals with a history of heart attacks. Intriguingly, about 1 in 5 heart attacks occur silently, with damage transpiring unbeknownst to the individual.
- Additional data from the British Heart Foundation reveals the prevalence of various cardiovascular conditions globally. In 2019, coronary (ischaemic) heart disease affected an estimated 200 million individuals, while peripheral arterial (vascular) disease impacted 110 million. The incidence of stroke reached 100 million, and atrial fibrillation was documented in 60 million cases.
Heart disease statistics by gender
- Men are more likely to experience heart attacks earlier in life. About 1 in 13 men aged 20 and older have coronary heart disease.
- Heart disease accounts for nearly 1 in 3 deaths among women each year, but symptoms in women are often under-recognized or misdiagnosed.
Heart disease statistics by age
- Children and Adolescents: While rare, congenital heart defects affect nearly 1% of newborns, making it the most common birth defect.
- Young Adults (20-39 years): Heart disease risk begins in this age group, often linked to poor lifestyle choices like smoking, high cholesterol, and obesity.
- Middle-aged Adults (40-59 years): Approximately 1 in 3 adults aged 40–59 has some form of cardiovascular disease, with increasing rates of high blood pressure and diabetes.
- Older Adults (60–79 years): Heart disease prevalence significantly rises, with nearly 70% of men and 69% of women in this age group living with cardiovascular conditions.
- Seniors (80 years and older): Heart disease becomes the leading cause of death, with over 85% of individuals in this age bracket experiencing cardiovascular issues.
Heart disease statistics by country
- United States: Heart disease is the leading cause of death, accounting for over 697,000 deaths annually (about 1 in every 5 deaths). Around 121.5 million adults live with some form of cardiovascular disease. Direct and indirect costs exceed $229 billion annually.
- United Kingdom: Cardiovascular disease causes about 160,000 deaths annually, equating to 460 deaths per day. More than 7.6 million people live with heart and circulatory diseases. It is the second leading cause of death after dementia.
- Canada: Heart disease accounts for 20% of all deaths annually. More than 2.4 million Canadians live with heart disease. It is a leading cause of hospitalization, with 54,000 heart attacks reported yearly.
- India: Heart disease is responsible for 28% of all deaths, making it the leading cause of mortality. India accounts for about 60% of the global heart disease burden, despite having less than 20% of the world’s population. The prevalence is rising in younger age groups.
- Australia: Heart disease is the leading cause of death, with about 18,000 deaths annually. Over 580,000 Australians live with coronary heart disease. Costs related to heart disease exceed $5 billion annually.
- China: Cardiovascular diseases cause over 4.5 million deaths annually, making it the top cause of mortality. Around 330 million people live with cardiovascular conditions. Urbanization and lifestyle changes have significantly increased risk factors, such as hypertension and obesity.
Heart disease treatment statistics
- Medication Usage: Approximately 50% of heart disease patients use statins to lower cholesterol levels. Beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, and antiplatelet drugs are commonly prescribed, with 40-60% adherence in high-risk populations.
- Surgical Interventions: Around 1 million coronary artery bypass grafts (CABG) are performed globally each year. In the U.S., over 500,000 angioplasty procedures (stent placements) are conducted annually.
- Hospitalization Rates: Cardiovascular conditions account for 20-25% of hospitalizations worldwide. In the U.S., heart disease leads to more than 4.3 million hospital stays annually.
- Heart Transplants: Approximately 5,000 heart transplants are performed globally each year. The U.S. accounts for around 2,000 of these transplants annually, with a survival rate of 85% after one year.
- Cardiac Rehabilitation: Cardiac rehab participation rates are low, with only 20-30% of eligible patients enrolling in programs. Patients who complete cardiac rehab experience a 26% reduction in mortality risk.
- Use of Medical Devices: Over 3 million people worldwide use pacemakers to manage heart rhythm disorders with over 600,000 new ones made each year. Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) are increasingly used, with over 200,000 implants annually in the U.S. alone.
Frequently asked questions
What country is #1 in heart disease?
According to 2021 data, the country with the highest age-standardized burden of cardiovascular disease (measured in DALYs per 100,000 people) is Nauru, with 714.5 DALY.
What is the leading cause of heart disease?
The leading cause of heart disease is the buildup of plaque in the arteries, a condition known as atherosclerosis. This happens when cholesterol, fat, and other substances accumulate on the artery walls, reducing blood flow to the heart.
What is the percentage of risk for heart disease?
The average lifetime risk of developing heart disease is about 1 in 2 for men (50%) and 1 in 3 for women (33%). Risk varies based on individual factors such as age, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, smoking, diabetes, and family history.
Who is at highest risk for heart disease?
People at highest risk for heart disease include those with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, and those who smoke or lead a sedentary lifestyle. Men over 45 and women over 55 are at greater risk, especially if they have a family history of heart disease.
What percentage of heart disease is preventable?
According to health experts, up to 80% of heart disease cases are preventable through lifestyle changes. This includes managing blood pressure and cholesterol, maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, eating a balanced diet, staying physically active, and controlling conditions like diabetes.
Can heart disease be cured?
No, heart disease cannot be fully cured, but it can be managed and its progression slowed. With proper treatment, lifestyle changes, and medication, many people live long, healthy lives.
What percentage is a healthy heart?
A healthy heart isn’t defined by one specific percentage, but certain key measurements help assess heart function. One important metric is the ejection fraction (EF), the percentage of blood the left ventricle pumps out with each beat. A normal EF is between 50% and 70%, indicating that the heart is pumping effectively.
Who has the lowest risk of heart disease?
People who live a healthy lifestyle; don’t smoke, eat well, exercise regularly, maintain a healthy weight, and manage blood pressure, cholesterol, and stress have the lowest risk. Young adults, especially pre-menopausal women, also tend to have naturally lower risk levels.
What country has the healthiest heart?
Japan is often cited as having the healthiest hearts in the world. It has one of the lowest rates of heart disease globally, largely due to a traditional diet rich in fish, vegetables, and low in saturated fat.
Sources
- British Heart Foundation. BHF CVD statistics: Global factsheet. Retrieved from https://www.bhf.org.uk/-/media/files/for-professionals/research/heart-statistics/bhf-cvd-statistics-global-factsheet.pdf
- World Health Organization. Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Retrieved from https://www.who.int/health-topics/cardiovascular-diseases#tab=tab_1
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Heart disease facts. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/facts.htm
- National Center for Biotechnology Information. Men are more likely to have coronary heart disease earlier in life. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK83160/
- World Heart Federation. Women and cardiovascular disease. Retrieved from https://world-heart-federation.org/what-we-do/women-cvd/
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Heart defects data. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/heart-defects/data/index.html
- World Health Organization. (2023). Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs): Fact sheets. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cardiovascular-diseases-(cvds)
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Trends in cardiovascular health. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db289.htm
- PubMed Central. Global burden of cardiovascular diseases. Retrieved from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6616540/
- PubMed Central. Heart disease incidence and trends. Retrieved from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10904724/
- New York State Department of Health. Heart disease overview. Retrieved from https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/cardiovascular/heart_disease/
- British Heart Foundation. BHF CVD statistics: UK factsheet. Retrieved from https://www.bhf.org.uk/-/media/files/for-professionals/research/heart-statistics/bhf-cvd-statistics-uk-factsheet.pdf
- Government of Canada. Heart disease in Canada: Facts and figures. Retrieved from https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/diseases-conditions/heart-disease-canada.html
- PubMed Central. Cardiovascular disease trends in India. Retrieved from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6994761/
- Heart Research Institute. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in Australia. Retrieved from https://www.hri.org.au/news/heart-disease-remains-leading-cause-of-death-in-australia
- PubMed Central. Global cardiovascular surgery trends. Retrieved from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7008101/
- The Lancet. (2021). Prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Retrieved from https://www.thelancet.com/journals/langlo/article/PIIS2214-109X(21)00551-9/fulltext
- ScienceDirect. Trends in cardiac surgical procedures. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S277299312300373X
- Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation. Preventable deaths from coronary stenting and angioplasty. Retrieved from https://ihpi.umich.edu/news/around-10-deaths-coronary-stenting-balloon-angioplasty-are-preventable
- PubMed Central. Pacemakers and ICDs in cardiovascular care. Retrieved from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10809869/
- International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation. Heart transplant statistics. Retrieved from https://www.ishlt.org/education-and-publications/resource/ishlt-fast-facts
- My PCNOW. Cardiac pacemakers at the end of life. Retrieved from https://www.mypcnow.org/fast-fact/cardiac-pacemakers-at-end-of-life/
PubMed Central. Use of ICDs worldwide. Retrieved from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7433784/
