Global cardiovascular disease burden attributable to high low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, 1990-2021: An age-period-cohort analysis of the global burden of disease study 2021.

Abstract

Background and aims: To deepen the understanding of global trends in the cardiovascular disease (CVD) burden attributed to high low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C).

Methods and results: Utilizing data from the Global Burden of Disease study spanning from 1990 to 2021, an age-period-cohort analysis was conducted to evaluate global trends in mortality and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) of CVD attributed to high LDL-C. Joinpoint regression analysis was employed to identify periods of the most significant changes. The findings indicate a significant increase in the global number of deaths from CVD linked to high LDL-C from 1990 to 2021. However, both the age-standardized mortality rate and DALYs rate exhibited a downward trend, with women experiencing a more pronounced decline than men. The age-standardized rate was lower in countries with higher Socio-demographic Index (SDI) compared to those with lower SDI. Notably, there were significant reductions in CVD mortality during the periods of 1994-1998 and 2003-2007.

Conclusion: This study underscores the critical role of high LDL-C as a risk factor in the global burden of CVD. Investigating gender differences, regional disparities, and variations among different age groups of CVD is essential for developing intervention strategies and health policies.