Research Article: Global, regional, and national burden of early-onset ischemic heart disease: trends and projections among adults aged 15–44 years from 1990 to 2046
Abstract:
Ischemic heart disease (IHD) among young adults represents an emerging global health concern, yet comprehensive epidemiological assessments remain limited. This study aimed to quantify the global burden of early-onset IHD and project future trends through 2046.
We analyzed data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 study, examining IHD burden among adults aged 15–44 years across 204 countries and territories from 1990 to 2021. Age-standardized rates were calculated using WHO standard population weights. Temporal trends were assessed using estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) methods. Age-Period-Cohort models were employed to project burden through 2046. DALYs were disaggregated into Years Lived with Disability (YLDs) and Years of Life Lost (YLLs).
Globally, age-standardized incidence rates increased modestly from 36.54 (95% UI: 21.69–54.31) per 100,000 in 1990 to 39.18 (95% UI: 23.32–58.20) per 100,000 in 2021, representing a 7.2% increase. Despite modest rate changes, absolute incident cases increased substantially from 1.26 millions to 2.17 millions. Age-standardized mortality rates declined significantly by 15.2%, from 12.21 (95% UI: 11.57–12.88) to 10.35 (95% UI: 9.68–11.04) per 100,000. Disaggregated DALYs analysis revealed divergent trends: YLDs rates increased (EAPC: 0.39%) while YLLs rates declined (EAPC: ?0.66%), reflecting improved acute survival but growing chronic disease burden. Men consistently demonstrated higher burden across all measures, with male-to-female ratios ranging from 1.7:1 for incidence to 2.7:1 for mortality in the 40–44 years age group. Substantial regional heterogeneity was observed, with East Asia showing the steepest incidence increases (EAPC: 0.63%) while High-income North America demonstrated declining trends (EAPC: ?2.4%). Central Europe achieved the most substantial improvements in both mortality decline (EAPC: ?2.16%) and overall disease burden reduction (EAPC: ?4.46%). Projections indicate continued increases in incidence and prevalence through 2046, with incident cases reaching 2.58 millions and prevalent cases reaching 12.7 millions globally.
Early-onset IHD represents a growing global health challenge characterized by increasing incidence and prevalence but improving survival outcomes. The substantial sex and regional disparities, coupled with projected increases in absolute burden, underscore the urgent need for balanced strategies addressing both acute care improvements and long-term disability prevention.
Introduction:
Ischemic heart disease (IHD) among young adults represents an emerging global health concern, yet comprehensive epidemiological assessments remain limited. This study aimed to quantify the global burden of early-onset IHD and project future trends through 2046.
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