Addressing Inequalities in Cardiovascular Disease Prevention

Professor Susanna Price,Chair of the european Society of Cardiology’s Advocacy Committee,advocates for improved early detection and addressing inequalities in cardiovascular disease prevention,the leading cause of death worldwide.

According to the world Health Institution (WHO), an estimated 17.9 million people died from cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) in 2019, representing 32% of all global deaths.Of these deaths, 85% were due to heart attack and stroke. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of death in Europe and worldwide, responsible for 34%¹ of deaths across the European Union (EU), with women bearing a disproportionate burden. Despite decades of progress, persistent inequalities in prevention, diagnosis, and care demand urgent and coordinated action to protect population health and promote equitable outcomes.

inequalities in CVD

Across the EU, 62 million¹ people are currently living with CVD, and around 20% of all premature deaths before age 65 are due to cardiovascular conditions. Gender disparities are particularly harsh: women experience higher mortality rates after acute cardiovascular events compared to men, with CVD accounting for 37% of female deaths compared to 31% of male deaths.Yet public perception continues to underestimate women’s risk, frequently enough mislabeling CVD as a ‘men’s disease.’

Inequalities aren’t limited to gender. Geographical and socio-economic disparities remain widespread.Mortality rates from heart disease and stroke vary dramatically between countries; such as,age-standardized death rates for heart disease are up to 13 times higher in women in Lithuania compared to France.¹ Rural communities and economically disadvantaged groups also suffer from higher rates of risk factors, reduced access to preventive services, and poorer outcomes.

Identifying CVD risk factors early

Early identification of cardiovascular risk factors offers one of the most effective strategies for preventing disease onset and reducing mortality. risk prediction models aim to facilitate timely detection through structured, evidence-based screening across the life course. However,to maximize impact,these models must integrate social determinants of health,sex-specific factors,and genetic predispositions.Special attention should be paid to the early identification of women at risk, particularly those affected by pregnancy-related conditions such as maternal cardiac disease, which complicates between 1-4% of pregnancies.²

1. World Life Expectancy.Cardiovascular Disease Death Rate.
2. American Heart Association. Pregnancy and Heart Disease.