Burden and Risk Factors of Cardiovascular Diseases in Asia, 1990-2021: An Analysis for GBD 2021.

backgroundDespite ongoing prevention efforts, the burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD) continues to rise with rapidly aging population and lifestyle changes. Comprehensive reports on CVD burden for Asia remain limited.

objectivesThe aims of this study were to quantify the CVD burden in Asia from 1990 to 2021 and to investigate associated risk factors and their temporal rank changes.

methodsData from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 study were used to estimate the prevalence, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), and mortality of CVD from 1990 to 2021 across 6 Asian regions, age groups, and sex. Twenty-seven behavioral, environmental, and metabolic risk factors were analyzed.

resultsIn 2021, Asia accounted for 270.4 million DALYs and 11.8 million deaths of CVD, representing 61.3% of global CVD mortality. The age-standardized DALYs rate (ASDR) in Asia exceeded the global average by 8.3%. The ASDR was highest in Central Asia but lowest in the high-income Asia Pacific region among the 6 Asian regions. From 1990 to 2021, ASDR and age-standardized mortality rate declined by 27.5% and 25.4%, respectively, whereas age-standardized prevalence increased by 71.7%. Ischemic heart disease and stroke collectively contributed to more than 80% of CVD deaths. High systolic blood pressure persisted as the leading risk factor, while particulate matter pollution emerged as a leading contributor to CVD burden in Asia.

conclusionsDespite declines in ASDR and age-standardized mortality rate, the absolute CVD burden in Asia has increased sharply. Regional disparities in CVD burden and risk factors profiles highlight the necessity for targeted interventions.