Albania's Silent Heart Disease Epidemic Claims Over Half of 2024 Deaths

In 2024 Albania recorded 21,102 deaths, of which 11,694 (53 %) were attributed to cardiovascular disease, making heart‑related conditions the leading cause of mortality in the country. This rate is roughly 20 percentage points higher than the European average, where heart and circulation disorders account for about 30 % of deaths.

Health experts link the high fatality rate to lifestyle factors such as physical inactivity, high‑salt and high‑fat diets, smoking and socioeconomic stress, as well as a weak preventive health culture. Limited medical infrastructure and scarce routine check‑ups, especially in northern rural areas, further delay diagnosis. The aging population adds to the risk, while the loss of many individuals in their productive years imposes a growing economic burden on families and the national economy.