El Salvador
Leading cause: Heart Disease · 56% plant-based · 73.3 yr life expectancy · UHC 79/100
What People Eat
Cardiovascular and dietary profile drawn from WHO Global Health Estimates. Plant-based score reflects the share of whole plant foods (grains, legumes, vegetables, fruit, nuts) in the typical national diet.
Disease Burden
Leading cause of death: Heart Disease · 132 / 100k
Bars show each rate against the global range; the tick marks the world median.
Heart disease (132/100k) leads, with a maize- and bean-based diet that is fairly protective, but El Salvador also faces a distinct epidemic of chronic kidney disease among agricultural workers, linked to heat and possible agrochemical exposure.
Healthcare System
Sources: WHO UHC Service Coverage Index (SDG 3.8.1) & WHO Global Health Expenditure Database. Latest available year.
What Could Improve
- Investigate and address the agricultural chronic-kidney-disease epidemic (heat, hydration, agrochemicals).
- Curb sugary drinks; protect the maize-and-bean base.
Explore the evidence: Heart Disease
WHO Global Health Estimates · 2022 · age-standardized country data
→ 132 CVD deaths per 100k · 56% plant-based diet