Global Diet Shifts Reveal Stark Heart Disease Trends by Region
Ischemic heart disease remains one of the world's leading causes of death, with diet playing a major role in its rise or decline. A new global study reveals stark differences in trends: some regions have slashed diet-related deaths by over 70%, while others face growing burdens. The findings highlight how shifting food habits—from processed meals to traditional diets—directly impact heart health. Since 1990, sub-Saharan Central Africa has seen a 21% increase in diet-related deaths from ischemic heart disease. This rise is tied to a "nutrition transition," where traditional diets rich in vegetables, fruits, and tubers have been replaced by processed foods, sugary drinks, and animal fats. Urbanisation, globalisation, and supermarket growth have driven these changes, leading to higher rates of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. By the 2020s, such deaths accounted for 15–25% of cardiovascular mortality in the region, up from under 5% in the 1990s.
In contrast, high-income regions have made significant progress. Australia recorded the largest drop, with a 77% reduction in diet-related heart disease deaths since 1990. Western Europe followed closely, with a 70% decline, while Austria saw a 62% decrease. High-income North America also cut these deaths by 64% over the same period.
Globally, poor diet was responsible for over four million ischemic heart disease deaths in 2023. The biggest risks came from low intake of nuts, whole grains, and fruit, combined with excessive sodium. That year, the disease also cost nearly 97 million healthy life-years worldwide. The data underscore diet as a key factor in ischemic heart disease—one that can be changed. Regions with falling death rates have likely benefited from better food policies, public health campaigns, or economic shifts. Meanwhile, areas like sub-Saharan Central Africa face growing challenges as processed foods become more common. The findings point to clear links between what people eat and their long-term heart health.
