Over a million persons died in the EU from a heart attack or a stroke

In the European Union (EU) in 2013, heart attacks (around 644 000 deaths) and strokes (almost 433 000 deaths) were the cause of death for almost 1.1 million persons, accounting for slightly more than 1 in 5 deaths (21.6%). Since 2000 however, the share of both fatal heart attacks and fatal strokes has continuously decreased in the EU, from being responsible for 16.6% and 11.5% respectively of all deaths in 2000, to 12.9% and 8.7% in 2013.

When analysed by five year age groups (see graph on last page), the risk of dying from a heart attack or a stroke clearly increases with age, with heart attacks and strokes being responsible for less than 10% of all deaths among people aged below 40 in the EU, for between 10% and 20% for those aged 40 to 69 and for over 20% for the older age groups.

EurActiv, 10.05.16: Fatal heart attacks and strokes drop in EU, but costs remain high http://www.euractiv.com/section/health-consumers/news/fatal-heart-attacks-and-strokes-drops-in-eu-but-costs-remain-high/

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