Germany Heart Report 2026 shows declining coronary disease mortality

The German Heart Report 2026 reveals a decline in overall mortality from heart disease in Germany, driven largely by a more than 7% drop in deaths from coronary heart disease (CHD). This improvement is attributed to advancements in medical diagnostics, therapies such as stent procedures and bypass surgery, and improved emergency response chains.

Despite these gains, experts warn of significant challenges. The Robert Koch Institute reports that over 4.6 million people in Germany are affected by CHD. Furthermore, hospitalizations for heart-related issues are rising, particularly among the elderly; hospital admission rates for those aged 75 to 85 have increased by 13.3% since 2012.

Atrial fibrillation remains a major concern, affecting approximately 1.6 million people in Germany. It accounts for nearly 78% of deaths related to heart rhythm disorders and is a leading cause of ischemic strokes. Medical professionals emphasize that while clinical treatments are improving, there is an urgent need for better prevention to manage risk factors like hypertension, diabetes, and obesity, especially as the aging population increases the prevalence of these conditions.