Abstract 16465: Cardiovascular Disease Burden in the Middle East and North Africa Region

Abstract

Introduction: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of death globally, including the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. However, limited research has been conducted on the burden of CVD in this region. Hypothesis: Our study aims to investigate the burden of CVD and related risk factors (RFs) in the MENA. Methods: We used data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2019 to examine CVD prevalence in 21 MENA countries. Prevalence, mortality, and incidence were analyzed using Bayesian regression tools, demographic methods, and mortality-to-incidence ratios. Disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) were calculated, and RFs were evaluated under the GBD's comparative risk assessment framework. Results: Between 1990 and 2019, CVD prevalence in the MENA increased by 140.9%, while age-standardized (AS) prevalence slightly decreased (-1.3%). CVD mortality rose by 78.3%, but AS death rates fell by 28.01%. Ischemic heart disease remained the most prevalent condition, with higher rates in men, while women had higher rates of CVA. All-age DALYs increased by 53.3%, but AS DALYs decreased by 32.54%. DALY rates varied across countries and were consistently higher in males. Leading RFs included HTN, high LDL, dietary risks, and elevated BMI. Conclusions: The ongoing impact of CVD in the MENA region necessitates targeted interventions that address country-specific variations, including socio-economic factors, healthcare infrastructure, and political stability. To effectively reduce the burden of CVD in MENA, it is crucial to focus on targeting risk factors and implementing effective strategies.