Global, Regional, and National Cancer Death and Disability-Adjusted Life-Years (DALYs) for Cardiovascular Disease in 2017, and Trends, Risk Analysis, 1990 to 2017, from the Global Burden of Disease Study and Implications for Prevention

Abstract

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of death worldwide and a major barrier to sustainable human development. The objective of this study was to evaluate the global, sex, age, region, and country-related CVD burden, as well as the trends, risk factors, and implications for prevention in CVD. Methods: Detailed information from between 1990 to 2017, including global, regional, and national rates of CVD and 11 categories of mortality and disability adjusted of life years (DALYs) were collected from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017. The time-dependent change in the trends of CVD burden was evaluated by annual percentage change. Findings: More than 17 million people died from CVD in 2017, which was approximately twice as many as from cancer, and was an increase of nearly 50% compared to 1990. Ischemic heart disease and stroke accounted for 85% of the total age-standardized death rate (ASDR) of CVD. The ASDR and age-standardized DALYs rate (ASYR) of CVD were 1.5 times greater in males compared to females. People over the age of 50 were especially at risk for developing CVD, with the number of cases and deaths in this age group accounting for more than 90% of all age groups. CVD mortality was related to regional economic development and social demographic index. In regions with a high economic income or socio-demographic index there was a greater decline in the ASDR of CVD. The ASDR of CVD in high SDI regions decreased more than 50% from 1990 to 2017. Tobacco use, diets low in whole grains, diets high in sodium, and high systolic blood pressure were important risk factors related to CVD mortality. Interpretation: CVD remains a major cause of death and chronic disability in all regions of the world. Ischemic heart disease and stroke account for the majority of deaths related to CVD. Although mortality rates for CVD have declined in recent years from a global perspective, the results of the 2017 CVD data suggest that the mortality and DALYs of CVD varied in different ages, sexes, and countries/regions around the world. Therefore, it is necessary to elucidate the specific characteristics of global CVD burden and establish more effective and targeted prevention strategies. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) or herbal medicine should also be a focus of research in the prevention and treatment of CVD. Funding Statement: This study was financially supported by the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central public welfare research institutes (ZXKT17013, ZZ11-092 and ZZ13-YQ-059), and Young Elite Scientists Sponsorship Program by CACM(2018QNRC2-C01). Declaration of Interests: The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest. Ethical Approval Statement: Not required.