
10/07/2025
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in Portugal, accounting for nearly 33,000 deaths in 2022, including around 3,900 from heart attacks.
Key insights:
✅16.5% of Portuguese aged 50+ live with heart failure, yet 90% remain undiagnosed.
✅Air pollution (PM2.5) contributes to over 20% of deaths from coronary artery disease and stroke.
✅Without intervention, heart failure cases could rise by 30% by 2035 and 33% by 2060.
✅Common risk factors include hypertension (42%), high cholesterol (64%), obesity (24%), diabetes (13%), and physical inactivity (54%).
💚Positive note: Portugal has successfully reduced PM2.5 pollution by over 40% in the past decade, improving cardiovascular health prospects.
Why this matters?
Early diagnosis, prevention, and lifestyle changes are critical to reducing the burden of heart disease.