Heart Attack Statistics

Why does France always appear to have fewer heart attacks than the UK, despite higher fat intake and similar wealth? Here’s one, rather prosaic reason. 

In France, when someone dies of natural causes with no suspicious circumstances, they will be recorded as ‘reason unknown’.

When the same happens in the UK, the doctor will examine the deceased’s medical history. If they were in a high-risk category for a heart attack, (e.g. obese, heavy smoker, sedentary job, etc) they will be recorded as having died, in all likelihood, from a 'heart attack’.

Therefore, despite very similar medical standards, France records far fewer heart attacks than the UK. So much for red wine/cheese/red meat/<insert wunderfood> being the answer.