Coronary artery disease deaths in US have halved since 1990, but most recent deaths remain preventable

A new analysis published in JAMA Cardiology shows that deaths from ischemic heart disease in the United States dropped by more than half between 1990 and 2023. The decline is attributed to improved control of a range of risk factors, especially reductions in smoking and particulate air pollution.

Despite the progress, the study estimates that 88.8% of the 473,000 coronary artery disease deaths in 2023 were still associated with modifiable risk factors. The authors highlight that nearly nine out of ten recent deaths could have been avoided with better risk‑factor management.

The report also notes rising concerns, such as increases in body‑mass index and blood‑glucose levels since 1990, which reflect growing prevalence of obesity and diabetes. The authors argue that further reductions in coronary deaths will require renewed focus on these emerging risk drivers.