Overview

• Cardiovascular diseases are the second leading cause of death in France, responsible for 140,000 deaths and 1.2 million hospitalizations annually.
• Ischemic heart disease, heart failure, and strokes are the most common conditions, with strokes being the leading cause of cardiovascular death among women.
• Only 10% of French adults have optimal cardiovascular health, with lower rates among those with less education and in disadvantaged regions.
• Social and gender disparities are stark, with women under 65 experiencing rising incidence rates of coronary syndromes and facing poorer medical care compared to men.
• Public health officials emphasize the importance of early diagnosis, lifestyle changes, and equitable access to care to reduce the burden of these largely preventable diseases.