Despite significant advances in medical research and healthcare, heart-related illnesses continue to pose the greatest health threat across member states, accounting for over 1.7 million deaths annually.

Eurostat ’s 2024 report reveals that approximately 32% of all deaths in the EU are attributed to cardiovascular diseases, which include conditions such as heart attacks, strokes, and hypertension-related complications.

WHO data further underscores this trend, indicating that ischemic heart disease and cerebrovascular disease (primarily strokes) are the two main culprits behind premature mortality in the region.

While cancer and other chronic diseases have become more prominent in public discourse, cardiovascular diseases still eclipse them in terms of total fatalities. The burden is especially pronounced in Central and Eastern European countries, where lifestyle factors, limited access to preventive care, and economic disparities contribute to higher mortality rates.

CVDs affect both men and women, though the patterns differ. Eurostat data shows that men are more likely to suffer fatal heart attacks at a younger age, while women tend to have higher rates of fatal strokes later in life.

Countries such as Bulgaria, Romania, and Hungary report the highest age-standardised mortality rates from cardiovascular causes, in contrast to France, Spain, and Italy, where rates are considerably lower due to better diet, healthcare access, and public health initiatives.