A new global health analysis has spotlighted the countries grappling with the highest death rates from ischemic heart disease, commonly known as heart attacks, raising urgent questions about healthcare systems, lifestyle patterns, and public health interventions.
Topping the chart is Haiti, where an estimated 428 deaths per 100,000 people are attributed to ischemic heart disease annually. The Caribbean nation is followed closely by Russia with 420 deaths per 100,000, and Uzbekistan at 464 per 100,000, making it the highest among the top 20 despite appearing ninth on the list.
Other countries in Eastern Europe dominate the rankings, with Ukraine (338), Belarus (342), Latvia (415), Lithuania (405), Bulgaria (392), and Romania (389) all reporting alarming death rates. Experts say decades of economic stress, aging populations, high rates of smoking, alcohol consumption, and underfunded healthcare systems may be contributing factors.
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Surprisingly, some high-income nations such as Italy (347), Netherlands (350), and Sweden (386) also made the list. While these countries generally have robust healthcare systems, lifestyle-related risk factors such as sedentary habits, diets rich in saturated fats, and rising obesity may be driving the trend.
Here is the full list of the top 20 countries by heart attack (ischemic heart disease) death rate per 100,000 population:
- Haiti – 428
- Russia – 420
- Uzbekistan – 464
- Latvia – 415
- Lithuania – 405
- Bulgaria – 392
- Romania – 389
- Sweden – 386
- Poland – 375
- Hungary – 370
- Czechia – 368
- Slovakia – 362
- Estonia – 358
- Albania – 354
- Netherlands – 350
- Moldova – 350
- Italy – 347
- Belarus – 342
- Ukraine – 338
- Dominican Republic – 336
Public health experts warn that while genetic predispositions play a role, the majority of heart disease cases are preventable through lifestyle changes, improved medical care, and policy action.
“Heart disease remains the world’s leading killer, and this data reminds us that both developing and developed nations face significant challenges,” said a cardiologist at the World Heart Federation. “Prevention through education, early detection, and treatment is key.”
The figures reflect an urgent call to action for policymakers to invest in cardiovascular health programs, promote healthy diets, encourage regular exercise, and expand access to medical screening and treatment—especially in high-risk regions.
