5 Countries With The Highest Number Of Heart Diseases

In this article, we will be taking a look at the 5 countries with the highest number of heart diseases. If you wish to read about the global heart disease market, head straight to the 15 Countries With The Highest Number Of Heart Diseases.

5. Afghanistan  

Total Death Rate: 583.21 

Afghanistan, a low-income country, grapples with a high burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), especially cardiovascular disease (CVD). NCDs and injuries account for 45.4% and 21.2% of female and male mortality, significantly impacting those under 40 years old. 

According to a study in 2014, in urban Kabul, the prevalence of hypertension in adults was 25.5%. The financial cost of CVD in Afghanistan is estimated at $1.2 billion, further straining the country’s limited resources, infrastructure, and healthcare workforce and making it stand among the countries with the highest rates of heart diseases.

4. Ukraine 

Total Death Rate: 591.01 

Ukraine has a substantial cardiovascular disease (CVD) burden, responsible for 64% of non-communicable disease deaths, per ACC.Org. CVD mortality in Ukraine is significant, with 591 deaths per 100,000, constituting 68.0% of total mortality. Moreover, ongoing conflict is impacting cardiovascular health, and the population is at high risk of premature death, with nearly half of adults, including many young people, suffering from chronic diseases. 

3. Azerbaijan  

Total Death Rate: 688.08 

Azerbaijan faces challenges in addressing heart disease, the leading cause of death, responsible for 45% of fatalities. While limited recent data exists, cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, ischemic heart disease, and heart failure are prevalent. The country has taken steps to improve cardiovascular health, including a national program for non-communicable disease prevention and guidelines for cardiovascular disease management. 

2. Tajikistan  

Total Death Rate: 689.88 

Tajikistan, standing second among the countries with the highest rates of heart diseases, is at high risk for non-communicable diseases (NCDs), primarily cardiovascular diseases, responsible for over 30% of deaths, per World Life Expectancy. NCDs, particularly coronary heart disease and stroke, significantly increased between 1990 and 2010.

The WHO identifies vital health risk factors, including tobacco and alcohol use, excessive salt intake, low physical activity, obesity, and unhealthy diets, which, if addressed, could save lives. However, Tajikistan faces significant health coverage gaps, with many never having their blood pressure measured, and over 30% of the population having elevated blood pressure linked to cardiovascular diseases.

1. Uzbekistan  

Total Death Rate: 945.57 

Uzbekistan faces a significant burden of ischemic heart disease, a major cause of mortality, accounting for 43.19% of total deaths, per World Life Expectancy. More than 1.5 million acute and chronic cardiovascular cases are registered annually, with over half a million being newly diagnosed. Obesity is a significant risk factor associated with ischemic heart disease, with ecological links between the two. Raised blood pressure is prevalent, affecting over a quarter of the population. Uzbekistan has implemented key cardiovascular disease policies and has a national action plan for CVDs. 

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