CVD is not only the main cause of death in Europe and the EU but is also the main cause of years lost due to an early death.

The WHO Global Burden of Disease Study found that in 1990 on average 31% of years of life lost were due to CVD in ‘Established Market Economies’ (mostly Northern, Southern and Western countries in Europe and all the member states of the EU - 15). This was more than any other cause. On average 16% of years of life lost were due to CHD in Established Market Economies, so by itself CHD was the most important cause of years of life lost in these countries.

In Central and Eastern European countries 35% of years of life lost were due to CVD - again more than from any other cause - and 18% were lost due to CHD.