Japan and South Korea have the world's healthiest hearts; Lithuania's heart-disease death rate is ten times Japan's

According to the World Health Organization, roughly one in every three deaths worldwide is caused by heart disease. But the picture is not the same everywhere. Recent statistics published by World Population Review show that some countries have reduced heart-disease deaths to remarkably low levels, while in others it remains the leading cause of death.

Japan tops the list of countries associated with longevity and low heart disease. Its death rate from ischaemic heart disease is close to 30 per 100,000 people — only about one third of the average for wealthy countries and far lower than that of the United States. A traditional diet rich in fish and vegetables, together with a habit of walking in daily life, is seen as the main key to the Japanese population's healthy hearts.

South Korea performs even better on this measure, with a heart-disease death rate of close to 25 per 100,000. Heart disease is the country's second leading cause of death after cancer. Advanced healthcare, a strong hospital network and a traditional diet rich in vegetables and fermented foods are credited with protecting Korean hearts.

Western European countries are also ahead in controlling heart disease. The death rate is about 35 per 100,000 in France, 40 in Spain and 55 in Switzerland. The French dietary pattern known as the 'French paradox', and Spain's famous Mediterranean diet based on olive oil, vegetables and fish, have proved effective in reducing heart-disease risk. Switzerland combines high income with advanced medical care to stay near the top of the list.

The United States shows the opposite picture. Heart disease is the leading cause of death there: in 2023 about 681,000 people died of heart disease, roughly 68,000 more than died of cancer. Despite advanced hospitals, unhealthy lifestyle habits keep the United States behind on this list.

In Eastern Europe the situation is grimmer. Among the Baltic states, Lithuania's heart-disease death rate is about 300 per 100,000 — roughly ten times Japan's. Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, diet and slow modernisation of the health system are identified as the reasons for the high prevalence in the region.

The World Heart Federation, however, offers hope. According to the federation, about 80 percent of premature deaths from heart disease are preventable, meaning a large share of these deaths can be avoided through proper lifestyle and habits.

Among the habits recommended for a healthy heart is eating fibre-rich food. Soluble fibre in foods such as oats, barley, beans, apples and pears helps reduce harmful cholesterol in the blood. A nutritious, substantial breakfast supplies energy for the whole day and helps control weight; oatmeal, wholegrain bread, eggs or nuts can be included. Fish and nuts are also beneficial: the omega-3 fatty acids in salmon, tuna or local small fish help prevent heart disease, and almonds and walnuts are also good for the heart.

Reducing excess salt and saturated fat is essential, since too much salt and a fast-food habit raise blood pressure; choosing healthy fats such as olive oil instead of fatty foods is advised. Drinking one to three cups of green or black tea a day and eating dark chocolate in moderation are also mentioned as helping to lower heart-disease risk.

The global gap in these statistics carries a clear message: a healthy heart does not depend on luck. It is built on the right diet, awareness and a healthy lifestyle.