Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of death in Europe, responsible for over 4 million deaths annually, nearly half of all deaths in Europe. CVD causes more deaths than cancer in many countries, with coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke being the main contributors. Despite recent declines in mortality rates in many countries, disparities persist, with some Eastern European countries having higher CVD mortality rates than Western counterparts. For example, CHD mortality rates for 55–60-year-olds in Russia and Ukraine exceed those in France for people 20 years older. The burden of CVD varies significantly across Europe, with some countries having much lower mortality rates than others. Denmark, France, Portugal, the Netherlands, and Spain have among the lowest rates of age-adjusted CVD mortality. In contrast, the Russian Federation and Belarus have the highest rates for men, while Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan have the highest for women. Premature mortality from CVD is also a significant issue, with over 1.48 million deaths before age 75 in Europe, most occurring in people aged 65–74. Mortality rates have decreased in most European countries over the past decade, though the magnitude of change varies. For men, 14 countries saw a reduction of a third or more in CVD mortality rates, while for women, 15 countries experienced similar reductions. However, in some countries, CVD mortality rates have increased, particularly among women. Case-fatality rates after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) have also decreased significantly in most countries, with reductions ranging from 1–4% per year. Hospitalization rates for CVD have increased in many European countries, reflecting the ongoing burden of the disease despite declines in age-adjusted mortality. The overall trend shows that while CVD mortality has decreased, the disease remains a major health issue, with many people being hospitalized or treated for chronic cardiovascular conditions. The global target to reduce NCD mortality by 25% by 2025 is still far from being met, and CVD remains a leading cause of death in Europe. In some countries, cancer deaths are now surpassing CVD deaths, particularly among men, while in others, CVD remains the leading cause of death. Continued monitoring of CVD trends is essential to address the ongoing burden of the disease.Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of death in Europe, responsible for over 4 million deaths annually, nearly half of all deaths in Europe. CVD causes more deaths than cancer in many countries, with coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke being the main contributors. Despite recent declines in mortality rates in many countries, disparities persist, with some Eastern European countries having higher CVD mortality rates than Western counterparts. For example, CHD mortality rates for 55–60-year-olds in Russia and Ukraine exceed those in France for people 20 years older. The burden of CVD varies significantly across Europe, with some countries having much lower mortality rates than others. Denmark, France, Portugal, the Netherlands, and Spain have among the lowest rates of age-adjusted CVD mortality. In contrast, the Russian Federation and Belarus have the highest rates for men, while Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan have the highest for women. Premature mortality from CVD is also a significant issue, with over 1.48 million deaths before age 75 in Europe, most occurring in people aged 65–74. Mortality rates have decreased in most European countries over the past decade, though the magnitude of change varies. For men, 14 countries saw a reduction of a third or more in CVD mortality rates, while for women, 15 countries experienced similar reductions. However, in some countries, CVD mortality rates have increased, particularly among women. Case-fatality rates after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) have also decreased significantly in most countries, with reductions ranging from 1–4% per year. Hospitalization rates for CVD have increased in many European countries, reflecting the ongoing burden of the disease despite declines in age-adjusted mortality. The overall trend shows that while CVD mortality has decreased, the disease remains a major health issue, with many people being hospitalized or treated for chronic cardiovascular conditions. The global target to reduce NCD mortality by 25% by 2025 is still far from being met, and CVD remains a leading cause of death in Europe. In some countries, cancer deaths are now surpassing CVD deaths, particularly among men, while in others, CVD remains the leading cause of death. Continued monitoring of CVD trends is essential to address the ongoing burden of the disease.