Global and Chinese perspectives on the growing burden of heart failure: trends, gender, and age-related differences (1990-2021) based on GBD 2021 data.

BACKGROUND

Heart failure (HF) is a growing global health issue, contributing to significant disease burden and increased mortality. The Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study offers comprehensive data on HF trends by age, sex, and region.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to analyze trends in prevalence and years lived with disability (YLDs) of HF in China and globally from 1990 to 2021 based on GBD 2021 data.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis using GBD 2021 data was conducted, covering HF burden in 204 countries from 1990 to 2021. Data were analyzed using Joinpoint regression and stratified by age and sex.

RESULTS

Global HF prevalence increased from 25.43 million in 1990 to 55.50 million in 2021, with an estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) of 2.50%. YLDs rose from 2.42 million to 5.31 million. In China, the EAPC for HF prevalence was 3.18%, surpassing the global rate. Males exhibited higher HF burden than females, and the disease burden rose sharply in those aged 65 and older.

CONCLUSION

Both global and Chinese HF burdens increased from 1990 to 2021, with China experiencing faster growth. Key public health recommendations include improving early screening, promoting lifestyle interventions, enhancing healthcare access, and integrating new therapies for heart failure.