• In 2022, CVDs caused 19.8 million deaths globally, a 21.1% increase since 1990, with ischemic heart disease and stroke as the top killers.
• High systolic blood pressure remains the leading modifiable risk factor, responsible for 10.8 million CVD deaths annually.
• Age-standardized CVD mortality declined by 34.3% worldwide, but absolute burden rose due to population growth and aging.
• Significant disparities persist, with low- and middle-income countries bearing a disproportionate share of the CVD burden.