In this article, we will be taking a look at the 20 countries with the highest disease deaths per capita. If you do not want to learn about the global heart disease landscape, head straight to the 5 Countries with the Highest Heart Disease Deaths Per Capita.

Heart disease remains a pressing global health concern, with certain countries bearing a disproportionately high burden of mortality attributed to this condition. Understanding the prevalence and distribution of heart disease across different nations is essential for developing targeted interventions and public health strategies aimed at reducing the incidence of this life-threatening condition. 

Global and US Heart Disease Landscape 

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) represent a significant global health concern, claiming an estimated 17.9 million lives annually due to heart-related conditions. The burden of heart disease is substantial, affecting individuals worldwide and leading to premature deaths, primarily caused by heart attacks and strokes. In 2020, approximately 19.1 million deaths were attributed to CVD globally, with an age-adjusted death rate of 239.8 per 100,000 population. Ischemic heart disease remains the leading cause of global CVD mortality, with an age-standardized rate of 108.8 per 100,000. The prevalence of stroke in 2020 was reported at 89.1 million people globally. 

The United States faces a significant burden of heart disease, with a considerable number of individuals affected by various cardiovascular conditions. Detailed statistics indicate that in the US, approximately 244.1 million people were living with ischemic heart disease in 2020, with higher prevalence rates in males than females. The age-standardized mortality rates for ischemic heart disease were reported at 112.37 per 100,000 population in the same year. 

The economic impact of heart disease is substantial globally and in the US. In the US market specifically, the financial implications of managing heart diseases are significant, encompassing costs related to treatment, medication, surgeries, and overall healthcare expenditure. Access to essential technologies and medications for cardiovascular conditions is crucial in the US healthcare system to ensure prompt management of acute events like heart attacks and strokes. 

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Revolutionizing Cardiovascular Health: Innovations, Insurance, and Economics 

The global cardiovascular health landscape is marked by its complexity, with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) posing a formidable challenge. This necessitates innovative solutions for treatment and management. Both the pharmaceutical and medical device sectors have made significant strides in addressing this challenge. Specifically, pharmaceutical innovations, including gene therapies and RNA-based therapeutics, have reshaped the treatment paradigm. Notable examples include Eliquis (apixaban) by Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (NYSE:BMY), demonstrating superior risk reduction capabilities. 

Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (NYSE:BMY) is renowned for its pioneering work in cardiovascular disease (CVD) treatments, focusing on preventing strokes, treating venous thromboembolism, and addressing conditions like Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM). Their recent approval of CAMZYOS (mavacamten) as a cardiac myosin inhibitor for obstructive HCM signifies a significant breakthrough, showing efficacy in improving exercise capacity and symptoms. Looking forward, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (NYSE:BMY) aims to lead in personalized medicine and precision therapies, leveraging innovative research and development. Financially, the company saw a 1% increase in revenues to $11.5 billion in the fourth quarter of 2023, with strong performance from key products like Eliquis and Opdivo. Adjusted EPS decreased by 7% to $1.70 for the same period, and for the full year of 2024, the company expects revenues to increase by low single-digits with adjusted EPS ranging between $7.10-7.40. 

Tenaya Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:TNYA) employs a groundbreaking Gene Therapy platform, utilizing adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) to address root causes of heart diseases such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) with leading treatments like TN-201 and TN-401. Their Cellular Regeneration platform aims to restore heart function post-myocardial infarction by regenerating cardiomyocytes in vivo. Leveraging Precision Medicine with hiPSC-CMs, Tenaya Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:TNYA) develops tailored treatments for genetic and non-genetic heart diseases. Noteworthy trends include HDAC6 inhibitors for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and gene replacement therapies. Financially, Tenaya Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:TNYA) reported a net loss of $29.9 million for Q4 and $124.1 million for the full-year 2023, emphasizing ongoing investment in genetic medicines for heart disease. Notably, TN-201 for HCM and TN-401 for ARVC are advancing in clinical trials, while TN-301 shows promising data for HFpEF. With $104.6 million in cash and recent financing, Tenaya is well-positioned for future growth. 

Medical devices, including implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs), pacemakers, and stents, play a crucial role in managing cardiovascular conditions, complementing pharmaceutical treatments. Integration of digital health technologies enhances patient care through real-time monitoring and personalized interventions. The global digital health market, valued at $96.5 billion in 2020, is projected to grow at a CAGR of 15.1% from 2021 to 2028. 

Amidst these advancements, health insurance trends play a pivotal role in ensuring access to quality cardiovascular care. Insurers are adapting to provide comprehensive coverage encompassing medications, medical devices, diagnostics, and procedures, aligning with the growing demand for accessible healthcare solutions. 

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Our Methodology 

Our methodology for ranking countries with the highest heart disease deaths per capita involved calculating death rates per capita based on total deaths per capita due to heart diseases. The data we used was heart disease death rates per 100,000 individuals, we initially divided the death rate per 100,000 by 100,000. Then, we multiplied this result by each country’s total population and subsequently divided by total population to derive death rates per capita. These figures were then arranged in ascending order to determine the countries with the highest heart disease deaths per capita. 

Here is our list of the 20 countries with the highest heart disease deaths per capita.

20. Sudan 

Death Rate per Capita: 0.002 

In Sudan, heart disease presents a significant health challenge, encompassing various conditions such as hypertensive heart disease, rheumatic heart disease, ischemic heart disease, and cardiomyopathy, which collectively account for over 80% of cardiovascular diseases. Hypertension prevalence stands at around 20%, totaling 74,371 deaths. Heart diseases affect individuals across different age groups, including children, with conditions like rheumatic heart disease impacting them.  

19. Morocco 

Death Rate per Capita: 0.002 

Morocco faces significant challenges with cardiovascular diseases (CVD), particularly heart disease, as it ranks high in CVD-related mortality. The country’s healthcare system is strained, with a mortality rate of 38% attributed to CVD. Ischemic heart disease and stroke are the primary causes of death, accounting for 31.0% and 22.5%, respectively. Risk factors contributing to this high mortality rate include tobacco smoking (45-50%), physical inactivity (21.1%), hypertension (25.3%), and depression (5.47%). Middle-aged and older individuals are generally more susceptible to heart diseases like ischemic heart disease and stroke.  

18. Egypt 

Death Rate per Capita: 0.002

Egypt stands among the countries with the highest disease deaths per capita, with a high prevalence rate of coronary heart disease (CHD) at 5,623.95 per 100,000 individuals and a mortality rate of 359.3 per 100,000. While some individuals recover, there’s a notable mortality rate, highlighting the seriousness of the condition. Hospitalized heart failure patients in Egypt range from 52.2 to 62.8 years old, showing its impact across age groups. 

17. Yemen 

Death Rate per Capita: 0.002 

Yemen stands among the top countries with high rates of heart diseases. While some individuals recover, many succumb to the disease. Treating heart disease in Yemen poses a significant financial burden on individuals and the healthcare system, highlighting the importance of accessibility to affordable and quality healthcare services.  

16. Turkmenistan 

Death Rate per Capita: 0.002  

In Turkmenistan, coronary heart disease is responsible for 29.02% of total deaths. The country ranks 13th globally for the age-adjusted death rate due to coronary heart disease. Raised blood pressure affects a notable portion of the population, with prevalence rates of 24.1% in women and 26.6% in men. Additionally, tobacco smoking prevalence is high at 12.5%, contributing significantly to cardiovascular disease incidence and mortality rates in Turkmenistan. 

15. Syria 

Death Rate per Capita: 0.002

Syria faces a significant burden of coronary heart disease (CHD) mortality, ranking 12th globally for CHD deaths per capita. The prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) is notable, with 4.8% of adults in Aleppo suffering from heart disease and 1.0% from stroke. CVD accounts for 45.0% of total mortality, with 49% of deaths occurring before age 65. The mean age of death due to CVD is approximately 62.6 years. Modern treatments have prevented about one-fourth of total CHD mortality in Syria.  

14. Micronesia 

Death Rate per Capita: 0.002 

Micronesia faces coronary heart disease issues accounting for nearly 18.8% of total deaths. Raised blood pressure affects over 23% of women and 26% of men, while tobacco smoking prevalence stands at 49.4%. The country has implemented most key cardiovascular disease policies and has a national action plan in place.

13. Belarus 

Death Rate per Capita: 0.002 

Micronesia has high Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) rates, constituting 19.88% of total deaths. Micronesia’s health expenditure accounts for 11% of its GDP, with a GDP per capita of US$3,629 in 2019.  

12. Mongolia 

Death Rate per Capita: 0.002 

Mongolia faces significant challenges with heart disease, notably Ischaemic Heart Disease (IHD), affecting around 14% of individuals aged 15-69. Hemorrhagic stroke incidence is notably higher in Mongolia compared to global rates. Mortality rates for stroke are severe, with over two-thirds leading to death or disability within a year, and one-third resulting in death within 28 days. Initiatives like ‘MongPEN’ aim to address heart health, but limited resources hinder improvements. The government aims to reduce CVD mortality as part of its Sustainable Development Vision 2030, but challenges in policy implementation and industry engagement remain. 

11. Vanuatu 

Death Rate per Capita: 0.002 

Vanuatu stands among the countries with the highest disease deaths per capita. Heart disease prevalence contributes substantially to overall mortality, with ischemic heart disease and stroke being major concerns. Both genders are affected, with adults aged 15-59 bearing a significant burden of cardiovascular diseases like heart attacks and diabetes. 

10. Moldova 

Death Rate per Capita: 0.0024 

In 2019, Moldova experienced a significant burden of heart disease, with 23,438 deaths attributed to cardiovascular disease. Raised blood pressure affected 26.2% of women and 33.6% of men, while tobacco smoking prevalence was at 23.6%. Circulatory system diseases accounted for 51% of total deaths, with notable rates for conditions like coronary heart disease (314.9 per 100,000) and stroke (159.2 per 100,000).   

9. Kiribati 

Death Rate per Capita: 0.0024 

Kiribati stands among the countries with the highest disease deaths per capita, evidenced by high rates of raised blood pressure (19.0% in women, 24.0% in men) and tobacco smoking prevalence (48.7% among individuals aged 15 and older). The country recorded 2,792 deaths from cardiovascular disease in 2019. Urgent action is needed to implement effective prevention and treatment strategies to improve heart health outcomes in Kiribati.  

8. Kyrgyzstan 

Death Rate per Capita: 0.0024 

Kyrgyzstan grapples with a significant burden of cardiovascular diseases (CVD), notably coronary heart disease, which accounts for 32.35% of total deaths, ranking 16th globally. CVD mortality rates have risen over the years, with half of all deaths attributed to CVD in 2011, claiming over 18,000 lives annually. Economic losses from CVD in 2007 were estimated at over 14 billion soms (around 360 million US Dollars), underscoring the need for healthcare system restructuring to address this health crisis comprehensively. 

7. Solomon Island 

Death Rate per Capita: 0.0028 

In the Solomon Islands, heart disease is the leading cause of death, with cardiovascular diseases claiming numerous lives annually. The National Referral Hospital sees a significant percentage of admissions for heart-related issues, with heart failure alone accounting for 23% of deaths. The GDP per capita was US$2,344 in 2019, with health expenditure accounting for 5% of GDP.  

6. Afghanistan 

Death Rate per Capita: 0.003 

Afghanistan faces high coronary heart disease (CHD) rates, with nearly one in ten adults affected. Factors contributing to this include older age, tobacco use, high cholesterol levels, and inadequate fruit and vegetable consumption. The prevalence of ideal cardiovascular health (ICVH) is low, with over one-third having 5-7 ICVH, 45.7% having 3-4 ICVH, and 20% having 0-2 ICVH.  

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Disclosure. None: The 20 countries with the highest disease deaths per capita is originally published on Insider Monkey.