European CVD burden differs by sex and country, GBD analysis finds

Researchers used Global Burden of Disease 2023 data to assess sex-specific cardiovascular risk-factor exposure and incidence and mortality from major CVD categories in 55 European Society of Cardiology member countries. They calculated age- and sex-standardized rates and examined patterns at country, regional and ESC-wide levels from 1990 to 2023. The analysis included 10 established cardiovascular risk factors and maternal hypertensive disorders.

In 2023, women accounted for 55% of CVD cases (6.0 million) and 50% of deaths (1.5 million). Ischaemic heart disease made up a smaller proportion of CVD in women than men (21% vs 38%), while peripheral arterial disease contributed a larger share (23% vs 19%). Tobacco and alcohol exposure was 10–20 percentage points higher in men; high body mass index and low physical activity were often 5–15 points higher in women. Maternal hypertensive disorders accounted for 25% of incident CVD in women.

Country differences were wider among women: incidence varied about three-fold between the lowest- and highest-incidence countries, compared with two-fold among men. Mortality and premature mortality disparities were larger still. The authors argue for sex- and gender-informed, life-course prevention. These are GBD estimates and describe population patterns; they do not test specific prevention strategies or establish individual-level effects.