Home / Health / Poor Diets Fuel 4 Million Heart Deaths Globally
Poor Diets Fuel 4 Million Heart Deaths Globally
1 Apr
Summary
- Suboptimal diets caused over 4 million deaths from ischemic heart disease in 2023.
- Deaths from diet-related ischemic heart disease rose 41.59% globally since 1990.
- Low intake of nuts, seeds, whole grains, and high sodium were key dietary risks.
In 2023, diets lacking in essential nutrients and high in sodium were associated with over 4.06 million deaths from ischemic heart disease globally. This marks a concerning 41.59% rise in diet-related heart disease fatalities since 1990.
Researchers analyzed global data, identifying low intake of nuts, seeds, whole grains, and fruits, along with high sodium consumption, as primary contributors to these deaths. The study also noted that while the overall death rate per capita has decreased due to health improvements and population growth, the absolute number of deaths has climbed.
The burden of ischemic heart disease from poor diets disproportionately affects low-to-middle sociodemographic index countries. Conversely, higher-income nations show a trend linked to excessive processed meats and sugary drinks. Declines in diet-related heart disease burden were observed in most regions, with notable exceptions in Southeast Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, Oceania, and South Asia.
