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Daily Data InsightsCardiovascular disease death rates have fallen rapidly in many countries

Cardiovascular disease death rates have fallen rapidly in many countries

This chart presents data on cardiovascular disease death rates per 100,000 people from 1950 to 2021 for four countries: the United States, France, the United Kingdom, and Italy. 

- The United States shows a significant decline in cardiovascular disease death rates, starting from around 500 deaths per 100,000 people in 1950 and dropping to below 150 by 2021, indicating a fourfold decrease.
- France's trend similarly reflects a decrease, with rates starting near 300 in 1950 and falling to around 50 by 2021, illustrating a fivefold reduction.
- The United Kingdom's data mirrors France's, beginning at around 500 in 1950 and reducing to around 100, also representing a fivefold decline.
- Italy exhibits a decline as well, with cardiovascular death rates decreasing from 400 per 100,000 in 1950 to around 100 in 2021, indicating a fourfold reduction.

The data source is the WHO Mortality Database (2024) and the chart is published by OurWorldInData.org.

Cardiovascular disease mortality has fallen massively since the 1950s.

This chart shows annual age-standardized death rates from cardiovascular diseases in four countries: the United States, France, the United Kingdom, and Italy.

The decline is substantial. In the United States, the death rate dropped from over 500 per 100,000 people in 1950 to under 150 in 2021 — a four-fold decline. The reduction in France and the United Kingdom was even greater, with death rates falling five-fold.

This progress comes from advancements in medical science, surgeries, emergency care, public health efforts, and dietary changes, improving cardiovascular health.

A dramatic reduction in smoking rates, better screening and monitoring for conditions like high blood pressure, and the development of life-saving treatments such as stents, statins, and clot-busting drugs have all contributed.

Explore trends in cardiovascular mortality in more countries

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