Global Burden of Cardiovascular Diseases

Hypertension

High blood pressure is a leading risk factor for ischemic heart disease, stroke, other cardiovascular diseases, chronic kidney disease, and dementia, according to the American Heart Association 1
The prevalence of hypertension is now higher in low-income and middle-income countries than in high-income countries, with a significant impact on global health 1
In 2015, an estimated 8.5 million deaths were attributable to systolic blood pressure >115 mmHg, with 88% of these deaths occurring in low-income and middle-income countries, highlighting the need for targeted interventions 1
Mean blood pressure and prevalence of raised blood pressure have declined in high-income regions since the 1970s, but have risen in East, South and Southeast Asia, Oceania, and sub-Saharan Africa, indicating a shift in the global burden of hypertension 1

Heart failure affects more than 64.3 million people worldwide as of 2017, with the European Society of Cardiology noting that this number is expected to rise due to improved survival following diagnosis and longer life expectancy 2, 3
The total cost for heart failure was estimated to be $30.7 billion in the USA in 2012, with projections suggesting an increase to $69.8 billion by 2030, emphasizing the need for cost-effective management strategies 2, 3
Annual healthcare costs per heart failure patient amount to up to €25,000 in Western countries, according to the European Society of Cardiology 4

Stroke is the second-leading cause of death in the world, though it has dropped to fourth in the United States, with the American Stroke Association reporting that there were 5.5 million deaths from stroke in 2002 (one every 6 seconds) 5
Among stroke survivors, 5 million are left permanently disabled, highlighting the need for effective rehabilitation and support services 5
The burden of stroke is projected to grow from 38 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) in 1990 to 61 million in 2020, with the World Health Organization emphasizing the importance of prevention and control measures 5
In the Asia-Pacific region, stroke risk due to hypertension is a serious and growing problem with devastating consequences, according to the World Health Organization 6

The Western Pacific region accounted for 39% of cerebrovascular deaths in 2002, followed by Europe (29%) and South East Asia (21%), with the World Health Organization noting significant regional variations in the burden of cardiovascular diseases 7
In China, hypertension accounts for as much as half of total stroke mortality, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions in high-risk populations 6
A 10 mmHg increase in systolic blood pressure increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke by 72% in Asians compared with 49% in Australians and New Zealanders, highlighting the importance of blood pressure management in different populations 6

Rheumatic heart disease affects populations in regions where the disease is highly endemic, with the American Heart Association noting the need for increased awareness and prevention efforts 8
Chronic kidney disease is closely associated with hypertension, with the American Heart Association emphasizing the importance of managing both conditions simultaneously 9
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) frequently co-occurs with hypertension, highlighting the need for comprehensive management strategies that address multiple conditions 9
Diabetes contributes to cardiovascular risk and requires management alongside hypertension, with the American Diabetes Association noting the importance of integrated care 9

Increasing availability and affordability of fresh fruits and vegetables is a key prevention strategy for cardiovascular diseases, according to the American Heart Association 1
Lowering sodium content of packaged and prepared food is essential for reducing blood pressure and cardiovascular risk, with the American Heart Association recommending a balanced diet 1
Improving availability of dietary salt substitutes can help reduce blood pressure and cardiovascular risk, according to the American Heart Association 1
Scaling up treatment coverage for hypertension is critical for reducing the global burden of cardiovascular diseases, with the World Health Organization emphasizing the need for increased access to healthcare services 1
Implementing lifestyle modifications including smoking cessation, physical activity, and weight management can help reduce cardiovascular risk, according to the American Heart Association 9, 6
Educating patients about stroke as the most severe consequence of hypertension can motivate people at risk to seek appropriate treatment, with the American Stroke Association noting the importance of patient education and awareness 6

Approximately 15 million strokes occur worldwide each year, resulting in 5 million deaths and 5 million individuals becoming permanently disabled【10】【11】.
The stroke burden increased from 38 million DALYs in 1990 to 61 million DALYs in 2020, representing 74 % of the disease burden attributable to coronary heart disease【10】【12】.
More than 85 % of all strokes happen in low‑ and middle‑income countries【10】【12】.
The three countries with the highest absolute number of stroke deaths are China, India, and the Russian Federation【10】【12】.

Japan spends roughly US $158 billion annually on stroke‑related care【13】.
In Singapore, the average hospital stay for a stroke patient is 17 days with an average cost of US $7,547 per admission【13】.
In 2003, days lost due to stroke‑related disability per 1,000 inhabitants were higher in Asia than in high‑income regions:
- China – 12 days, Cambodia – 11 days, Micronesia – 14 days, Philippines & Sri Lanka – 7 days, Korea & Vietnam – 8 days; Western countries averaged 3–4 days【13】.

Africa accounted for 7 % of global stroke deaths【13】.
The Eastern Mediterranean region contributed 4 % of global stroke deaths【13】.

Stroke incidence roughly doubles with each decade after age 55【10】【12】.
Median post‑stroke survival varies by age group:
- 60–69 years → 6–7 years,
- 70–79 years → 5–6 years,
- ≥80 years → 2–3 years【10】【12】.

Of the 15 million annual stroke survivors, about 5 million become permanently disabled, imposing a substantial burden on families and societies【10】【11】.