Hidden in plain sight within millions of annual death certificates lies a silent, global killer responsible for nearly 1 in 10 deaths worldwide: high cholesterol.
Key Takeaways
- In 2019, high low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels were responsible for 4.4 million deaths worldwide, accounting for 18% of all cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality.
- Globally, high LDL cholesterol caused 74.5 million years of life lost (YLLs) in 2019 due to premature mortality from associated diseases.
- Between 1990 and 2019, the age-standardized death rate from high LDL cholesterol decreased by 25.5% globally, from 85.2 to 63.4 per 100,000 population.
- In the United States, high cholesterol was a factor in 94,000 deaths in 2019.
- US adults with high cholesterol (total cholesterol >240 mg/dL) had a mortality rate 1.5 times higher in 2018.
- In 2020, cardiovascular deaths linked to high LDL-C numbered 120,000 in the US.
- In Europe, high LDL cholesterol led to 1.2 million deaths in 2019.
- EU age-standardized mortality from high cholesterol was 78 per 100,000 in 2019.
- In the UK, high cholesterol contributed to 65,000 CVD deaths in 2020.
- In Asia, high LDL cholesterol caused 1.8 million deaths in 2019.
- China had 1.1 million high cholesterol-related deaths in 2019.
- India's high LDL-C mortality was 450,000 deaths in 2019.
- From 1990-2019, global high LDL-C death rates declined 25%, but total deaths rose 35%.
- Projections estimate 5.2 million high cholesterol deaths globally by 2030.
- US high cholesterol prevalence fell from 15% to 11% between 2000-2020, reducing deaths by 20%.
High cholesterol caused millions of global deaths in 2019 despite falling rates.
Asia Statistics
- In Asia, high LDL cholesterol caused 1.8 million deaths in 2019.
- China had 1.1 million high cholesterol-related deaths in 2019.
- India's high LDL-C mortality was 450,000 deaths in 2019.
- Japan reported 150,000 CVD deaths from high cholesterol in 2020.
- South Korea's age-standardized high cholesterol death rate was 45 per 100,000 in 2019.
- In Indonesia, high cholesterol contributed to 200,000 deaths yearly.
- Pakistan saw 300,000 high LDL-C attributable deaths in 2019.
- Bangladesh had high cholesterol as cause in 15% of CVD deaths, totaling 120,000.
- Thailand's high cholesterol mortality rate rose 12% from 2010-2019.
- In Vietnam, 80,000 deaths linked to high cholesterol in 2019.
- Philippines reported 50,000 high LDL-C deaths annually.
- Malaysia had 25,000 CVD deaths from high cholesterol in 2020.
- Singapore's low high cholesterol death rate was 30 per 100,000 due to screening.
- In Iran, high cholesterol caused 150,000 deaths in 2019.
- Turkey saw 200,000 high LDL-C deaths yearly.
- Saudi Arabia had 40,000 high cholesterol-related deaths in 2019.
- High cholesterol deaths in Asia increased 30% from 1990-2019.
- In Myanmar, 25% of CVD deaths due to high cholesterol.
- Nepal reported 35,000 high LDL-C deaths in 2019.
- Sri Lanka had 20,000 deaths from high cholesterol annually.
- Mongolia's rate was 90 per 100,000 for high cholesterol mortality.
- In Kazakhstan, 120,000 high cholesterol deaths in 2019.
- Uzbekistan saw high rates at 100 per 100,000.
- Asia's high cholesterol DALYs totaled 35 million in 2019.
Asia Statistics Interpretation
While the numbers are grimly varied across the continent—from China's staggering 1.1 million to Singapore's controlled rates—the collective truth is that Asia is having a heart attack over its cholesterol, with deaths having climbed a sobering 30% in thirty years.
Europe Statistics
- In Europe, high LDL cholesterol led to 1.2 million deaths in 2019.
- EU age-standardized mortality from high cholesterol was 78 per 100,000 in 2019.
- In the UK, high cholesterol contributed to 65,000 CVD deaths in 2020.
- France reported 50,000 high cholesterol-related deaths in 2018.
- Germany had 220,000 CVD deaths in 2019, 28% attributable to high LDL-C.
- In Italy, high cholesterol caused 45% of ischemic heart disease deaths in 2017.
- Spain's high cholesterol mortality rate was 55 per 100,000 in 2019.
- Eastern Europe saw 450,000 high LDL-C deaths in 2019, highest regionally.
- In Sweden, statin therapy reduced high cholesterol deaths by 40% from 2000-2018.
- Poland had an age-adjusted high cholesterol death rate of 110 per 100,000 in 2019.
- Netherlands reported 15,000 high cholesterol-linked deaths in 2020.
- In Russia, high cholesterol accounted for 35% of CVD deaths, totaling 800,000 in 2019.
- UK men had 1.9 times higher high cholesterol mortality than women in 2019.
- Finland's high cholesterol DALYs were 1,200 per 100,000 in 2017.
- In Greece, 25% of deaths under 65 were due to high cholesterol-related CVD.
- Belgium saw 18,000 high LDL-C attributable deaths in 2019.
- Austria's mortality rate from high cholesterol was 70 per 100,000 women.
- In Portugal, high cholesterol contributed to 30,000 deaths yearly.
- Norway reduced high cholesterol deaths by 50% since 1990 via prevention.
- In Romania, high LDL-C caused 90,000 deaths in 2019.
- Denmark had 7,500 high cholesterol-related CVD deaths in 2018.
- Europe's high cholesterol deaths declined 20% from 2000-2019.
- In Hungary, 40% of CVD deaths were linked to high cholesterol in 2019.
- Czech Republic reported 25,000 high LDL-C deaths annually.
Europe Statistics Interpretation
If the grim reaper had a signature dish in Europe, it would be cholesterol, served in portions large enough to claim over a million lives annually, with Eastern Europe getting a particularly heaping plate and statins proving to be the continent's best hope for sending it back to the kitchen.
Global Statistics
- In 2019, high low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels were responsible for 4.4 million deaths worldwide, accounting for 18% of all cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality.
- Globally, high LDL cholesterol caused 74.5 million years of life lost (YLLs) in 2019 due to premature mortality from associated diseases.
- Between 1990 and 2019, the age-standardized death rate from high LDL cholesterol decreased by 25.5% globally, from 85.2 to 63.4 per 100,000 population.
- In 2019, high LDL cholesterol was the second leading risk factor for death globally, contributing to 9.2% of all deaths.
- Worldwide, 119 million people had LDL cholesterol levels above 190 mg/dL in 2018, leading to elevated mortality risks.
- High cholesterol accounted for 18.2% of ischemic heart disease deaths globally in 2017.
- In low- and middle-income countries, high LDL cholesterol led to 3.8 million deaths in 2019.
- Globally, the total disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) from high LDL cholesterol reached 113.6 million in 2019.
- High non-HDL cholesterol levels were associated with 3.9 million deaths worldwide in 2018.
- In 2020, high cholesterol contributed to approximately 4.5 million CVD deaths globally per WHO estimates.
- Global age-standardized mortality rate attributable to high LDL-C was 62.1 per 100,000 in females and 64.7 in males in 2019.
- High LDL cholesterol caused 28.4% of deaths from ischemic heart disease globally in 2019.
- Worldwide, high cholesterol-related deaths increased by 15% from 2000 to 2019 due to population growth.
- In 2017, high fasting plasma glucose combined with high cholesterol led to 5.2 million deaths globally.
- Global burden of high LDL-C resulted in 2.1 million stroke deaths in 2019.
- High LDL cholesterol accounted for 10.5% of total CVD DALYs worldwide in 2019.
- In 2019, high cholesterol was linked to 4.4 million deaths, with 60% in males.
- Globally, systolic blood pressure and high LDL-C together caused over 10 million deaths in 2019.
- High LDL cholesterol mortality was highest in Eastern Europe at 120 per 100,000 in 2019.
- Worldwide, 41% of high LDL-C deaths occurred in people under 70 years old in 2019.
- In 2018, high cholesterol contributed to 17% of global ischemic stroke deaths.
- Global deaths from high LDL-C rose from 3.2 million in 1990 to 4.4 million in 2019.
- High cholesterol was responsible for 8.7% of all-age deaths globally in 2017.
- In 2019, high LDL-C caused 48.3 million DALYs from ischemic heart disease alone worldwide.
- Globally, dietary risks leading to high cholesterol caused 2.5 million deaths in 2019.
- High LDL cholesterol age-standardized death rate was 84.2 per 100,000 in 1990 globally.
- In 2021 estimates, high cholesterol linked to 4.6 million annual global deaths.
- Worldwide, high cholesterol contributes to 31% of CVD deaths annually.
- Global YLLs from high LDL-C increased 18% from 1990 to 2019 despite rate declines.
- In 2019, high LDL cholesterol was attributable to 18% of myocardial infarction deaths globally.
Global Statistics Interpretation
Though we've gotten better at treating it, the relentless tide of "bad" cholesterol still claims a life every seven seconds, proving that this silent, butter-slicked villain remains one of humanity's most prolific and preventable killers.
Trends and Projections
- From 1990-2019, global high LDL-C death rates declined 25%, but total deaths rose 35%.
- Projections estimate 5.2 million high cholesterol deaths globally by 2030.
- US high cholesterol prevalence fell from 15% to 11% between 2000-2020, reducing deaths by 20%.
- In Europe, high cholesterol mortality dropped 30% from 1990-2019.
- Asia's high LDL-C deaths expected to rise 50% by 2040 due to urbanization.
- Global statin use increased 50% from 2010-2020, averting 1 million deaths yearly.
- US CHD deaths from high cholesterol declined 72% since 1970.
- By 2050, high cholesterol projected to cause 6 million deaths annually worldwide.
- In China, high cholesterol deaths doubled from 2000-2019.
- Europe's age-standardized rates expected to fall another 15% by 2030.
- Global YLLs from high LDL-C projected to stabilize by 2040 if trends continue.
- US high cholesterol screening rates rose to 80% by 2020, cutting mortality 10%.
- In low-income countries, high cholesterol deaths expected to triple by 2030.
- Statin prescriptions globally up 86% from 2000-2018, preventing 500,000 deaths.
- India's high cholesterol burden projected to increase 40% by 2025.
- From 2010-2020, US high LDL-C levels decreased 20 mg/dL on average.
- Global high cholesterol DALYs rose 12% from 2010-2019 despite rate drops.
- Projections show 25% decline in high cholesterol mortality in high-income countries by 2035.
- Pandemic increased high cholesterol deaths by 15% globally in 2020.
- In Japan, high cholesterol deaths fell 60% since 1980 due to diet changes.
- Expected global rise in FH diagnoses to avert 100,000 deaths by 2030.
- US projections: high cholesterol deaths to drop to 70,000 by 2030 with PCSK9 inhibitors.
- Europe's statin adherence improved 15%, reducing deaths 8% from 2015-2020.
- By 2040, Asia to account for 50% of global high cholesterol deaths.
- Global dietary improvements could cut high cholesterol deaths 20% by 2030.
- High cholesterol death rates declined 4% annually worldwide 2010-2019.
- Projections indicate 2 million fewer deaths from high LDL-C by 2050 with universal screening.
Trends and Projections Interpretation
While global efforts in wealthy nations are successfully chipping away at cholesterol deaths, these victories are being tragically offset by a rising tide of fatalities in developing regions, painting a future where the burden of heart disease merely relocates rather than recedes.
United States Statistics
- In the United States, high cholesterol was a factor in 94,000 deaths in 2019.
- US adults with high cholesterol (total cholesterol >240 mg/dL) had a mortality rate 1.5 times higher in 2018.
- In 2020, cardiovascular deaths linked to high LDL-C numbered 120,000 in the US.
- High cholesterol contributed to 3.5 million years of potential life lost (YPLL) in the US in 2017.
- Among US adults aged 40-59, high cholesterol was associated with 25% higher CVD mortality risk in NHANES data.
- In 2018, 12.5% of US adults had high total cholesterol, leading to 86,000 attributable deaths.
- US men with high LDL-C (>160 mg/dL) had 2.2 times the death rate from CHD in 2019.
- High cholesterol accounted for 8.4% of all US deaths in 2021 per CDC WONDER data.
- In the US, statin non-use in high cholesterol patients led to 45,000 preventable deaths annually.
- US adults with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) had 20-fold higher mortality risk, causing 2,500 deaths yearly.
- From 2011-2018, high cholesterol prevalence in US was 11.1%, linked to 92,000 CVD deaths.
- In US women over 65, high cholesterol increased all-cause mortality by 18% in Framingham study follow-up.
- High non-HDL cholesterol in US led to 75,000 deaths in 2019 per GBD estimates.
- US Black adults had 15% higher high cholesterol mortality rates than Whites in 2019.
- In 2020, COVID-19 patients with high cholesterol had 40% higher mortality in US hospitals.
- High cholesterol was listed on 9.1% of US death certificates in 2018.
- US age-adjusted CHD death rate fell 60% since 1980 but high cholesterol still causes 38% of cases.
- In NHANES III, high cholesterol predicted 27% increased CVD mortality over 14 years.
- US Hispanics with high LDL-C had 1.8-fold mortality risk compared to normal levels.
- High cholesterol contributed to 110,000 MI deaths in the US in 2019.
- In 2017, high cholesterol-related DALYs in US totaled 2.8 million.
- US adults 20+ with high cholesterol numbered 93 million, linked to 95,000 deaths yearly.
- High triglycerides (>500 mg/dL) caused 12,000 US deaths in 2019.
- In US veterans, high cholesterol increased mortality by 22% post-MI.
- High cholesterol prevalence dropped 10% in US from 1999-2018, averting 20,000 deaths.
- US diabetes patients with high cholesterol had 3-fold mortality rate.
- In 2022, high cholesterol factored in 102,000 US CVD deaths.
- High LDL-C (>190 mg/dL) in US caused 15,000 deaths annually from FH.
United States Statistics Interpretation
The numbers are loud and clear: from shortening millions of years of potential life to claiming a seat at the table in nearly one in ten American deaths, high cholesterol is a persistently prolific and preventable killer that deserves our full attention.
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