Brussels, Belgium, 25 September, (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Diseases of the circulatory system remain the leading cause of death among Belgian women, according to the latest national cause-of-death figures, highlighting the continuing health burden associated with heart disease in women. Statbel reported that circulatory diseases accounted for 24.5% of female deaths in Belgium in 2023, the latest year covered by its national cause-of-death statistics.
Circulatory diseases caused 24.5% of female deaths
Belgium recorded 26,064 deaths from diseases of the circulatory system in 2023, representing 23.4% of all deaths nationally. Tumours caused 27,337 deaths, or 24.6% of the total.
The pattern differed between women and men. Circulatory diseases were the largest cause-of-death category among women, accounting for 24.5%, while tumours ranked first among men at 27%.
Age remains an important factor. Among people aged over 85, circulatory diseases accounted for nearly one-third of deaths.
Belgian campaign highlights women’s warning signs
The Belgian Cardiological League has made women’s cardiovascular health a focus of its 2026 awareness work. Its campaign seeks to challenge the longstanding perception that cardiovascular disease primarily affects men and to improve recognition of symptoms among women.
The campaign includes testimony from Belgian women who experienced cardiovascular emergencies.
Gaëlle, 49, said: “I thought it would pass. In reality, I was having a heart attack.”
Aurélie, 44, described another warning sign, saying: “I felt chest pressure and a sharp pain in my chest.”
Their experiences reinforce the campaign’s message that potentially serious symptoms should not be ignored or simply expected to disappear.
Prevention can reduce cardiovascular risk
The World Health Organization identifies tobacco use, unhealthy diets, physical inactivity and harmful alcohol use as major behavioural contributors to cardiovascular disease. High blood pressure, high blood glucose, abnormal blood lipids and excess weight can also increase risk.
Reducing these factors can help protect cardiovascular health. Recommended preventive measures include avoiding tobacco, remaining physically active, eating a balanced diet with more fruit and vegetables, limiting salt and avoiding harmful alcohol consumption.
Regular medical checks are also important. Blood pressure, cholesterol and blood glucose measurements can identify cardiovascular risks that may otherwise go unnoticed.
The Belgian Cardiological League encourages women to understand their personal cardiovascular risk and recommends cardiovascular assessment particularly from around the age of 50.
Heart attack symptoms require urgent action
Cardiovascular disease may remain undetected until a serious event such as a heart attack or stroke occurs. Chest pain or discomfort is an important heart-attack warning sign, but symptoms can vary between individuals.
Women should seek urgent medical assistance when a heart attack is suspected rather than waiting to see whether symptoms improve. In Belgium, the emergency number is 112.
Preventive measures cannot eliminate every case of heart disease in women, because age, family history and other factors also influence cardiovascular health. However, managing modifiable risks and detecting problems earlier can reduce the likelihood of serious complications.
Belgium continues focus on women’s heart health
Belgium’s 2026 awareness campaign is continuing to promote prevention, earlier recognition and better understanding of cardiovascular disease among women.
The latest mortality figures underline the scale of the challenge: circulatory diseases remain the leading cause-of-death category among Belgian women. Greater awareness, routine health checks and prompt responses to possible heart-attack symptoms remain central to reducing the impact of heart disease in women.
