New analysis published today shows stark inequalities between European countries in cardiovascular disease death rates.

Cardiovascular diseases are the most common cause of death in Europe, resulting in over four million deaths a year (45% of all deaths) according to the latest available figures published today in the European Heart Journal.

Although deaths from cardiovascular disease (CVD) are declining in most of Europe, there are large inequalities between European countries, with higher death rates seen in Eastern Europe. These high death rates correspond to the lower life expectancy also found in these countries, indicating the impact of CVD on inequalities in longevity throughout Europe.