CVD is the leading global cause of death and disability. A report in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology presented global, national, and subnational estimates of CVD burden from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2023 study. The analysis covered 204 countries from 1990 to 2023 and included 18 cardiovascular subdiseases and 12 modifiable risk factors using population-level data and statistical modeling.

In 2023, CVD DALYs reached 437 million (95% uncertainty interval [UI] 401 to 465 million), up from 320 million (292 to 344 million) in 1990. Prevalent CVD cases more than doubled, increasing from 311 million (294 to 333 million) to 626 million (591 to 672 million). CVD deaths rose from 13.1 million (12.2 to 14.0 million) in 1990 to 19.2 million (17.4 to 20.4 million) in 2023.

Age-standardized DALY rates were highest in low and low-middle Socio-demographic Index (SDI) regions. Modifiable risk factors accounted for 79.6% (75.7% to 82.5%) of CVD burden in 2023, representing 347 million (318 to 373 million) DALYs. High SBP, dietary risks, high LDL cholesterol, and air pollution contributed the largest share. Since 1990, increased exposure to high body mass index, high fasting plasma glucose, and low physical activity added to the global burden, while decreases in tobacco use mitigated some of the rise.

Population growth added 128 million (115 to 139 million) CVD DALYs since 1990, and population aging added 139 million (126 to 151 million) DALYs. These demographic forces were major drivers of long-term growth in CVD burden.

These findings show that cardiovascular disease continues to rise worldwide, shaped by demographic change and increasing exposure to metabolic risks. Strengthening health systems and implementing effective prevention strategies will be essential for reducing future CVD burden.