Cardiovascular Disease Remains Leading Cause of Death for Women and Men in Germany

Cardiovascular diseases continue to be the primary cause of death in Germany for both women and men, according to recent data from the Federal Statistical Office. In 2024, these diseases accounted for 35.4% of deaths among women and 31.9% among men.

Key Statistics for 2024

• Women: 178,742 deaths attributed to cardiovascular diseases, representing 35.4% of all female deaths.
• Men: 160,470 deaths attributed to cardiovascular diseases, representing 31.9% of all male deaths.

Hospitalization Rates

Cardiovascular diseases were similarly a significant reason for hospital admissions in both sexes. 12.8% of female hospitalizations and 16.9% of male hospitalizations were related to these conditions.

Other Causes of Death

Beyond cardiovascular disease, other common causes of hospitalization and death differed slightly between genders.

• Women: Injuries, poisoning, pregnancy, and childbirth were also frequent reasons for hospital admission. Cancer accounted for 21.1% of female deaths, totaling 106,774.
• Men: Diseases of the digestive system, along with injuries and poisoning, were common reasons for hospitalization. Cancer caused 24.6% of male deaths, resulting in 123,618 fatalities.

Life Expectancy and Contributing Factors

In 2024, the average life expectancy for women in Germany was 83.5 years, while for men it was 78.9 years. The Federal Statistical Office attributes the 4.6-year difference, in part, to variations in health behaviors, specifically citing tobacco consumption and dietary habits. Differences in working conditions also contribute to this disparity.

Data Release and Context

These figures were released by the Federal Office on the occasion of International Women’s Day, March 8th.

Cardiovascular Disease in Germany: A Broader Perspective

Cardiovascular diseases are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in Germany, resulting in substantial medical costs. Reducing risk factors is a key preventative measure. Germany has implemented all 8 key CVD-related policies identified by the World Heart Federation and has a national action plan for CVDs in place. An operational unit within the Ministry of Health is responsible for non-communicable diseases.

Recent Research and Trends

Research from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) examined the temporal development of mortality from coronary heart disease (CHD) in Germany, calculating CHD mortality rates from 1998-2023 using data from the Federal Statistical Office. Another study, using data from the GEDA 2022 study, investigated the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Common Cardiovascular Diseases and Death Rates (2023)

Source: Federal Statistical Office

Further information on health data and health monitoring in Germany can be found on the Federal Health Monitoring website.