Background & Objectives:
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are one of the global leading causes of concern due to rising prevalence and mortality. The objective was to assess structure and trends in CVDs mortality in Belgrade over last 10 years. Examining these trends is part of broader analysis, important for planning local interventions for prevention of noncommunicable diseases.

Methods:
CVDs mortality rates were calculated based on data from Population Register for diseases of major public health importance, maintained by Informatics Unit in Institute for Public Health of Belgrade. Trends were analyzed by age, sex and type of CVD, for the period 2012-2021. Retrospective analysis was performed.

Results:
CVDs were the most common causes of death in Belgrade, with 37,6% in total mortality in 2021. The highest share of mortality is in population aged 65 and over (89,5%). Death rates per 100.000 population were higher in women, increased in both sexes during 10-year period, more pronounced in male. Cerebrovascular diseases and ischemic heart diseases (IHD) make almost one third in total CVD mortality (29,1%), predominantly in age group of 65 and over (88,4%, 86,8% respectively). Mortality rates from cerebrovascular diseases decreased by 44,0% among females and by 37,1% among males. Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) accounts for 68,6% of all IHD deaths, downward trend of mortality was more pronounced in man, by 22,9%, compared to 2,8% in women. Remaining 70,9% of CVDs deaths, includes high blood pressure diseases, cardiomyopathies, heart rhythm disorders, insufficiency and cardiac arrest, recorded an increase in mortality rates in both sexes.

Conclusion:
Increase in overall mortality in Belgrade from CVDs was noted. Mortality rates from IHD and cerebrovascular diseases declined, but are still high in age group 65 years and older. Special attention should be paid to risk factors for CVDs, such as overweight and obesity, smoking, sedentary habits and unhealthy diet.