The Challenge in Burden of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: A Perspective From the Global Burden of Disease Study

Abstract

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) poses significant clinical management challenges due to gaps in understanding its global epidemiology. We analyzed PAH-related disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), deaths, and prevalence from 1990 to 2021. Age-period-cohort models and regression analyses assessed temporal trends and projected burdens to 2050. Globally, PAH-related DALYs declined by 6.6%, but increased by 13.9% in high socio-demographic index (SDI) countries. Middle SDI regions reported the highest DALYs in 1990 and 2021. Deaths rose by 48.5% worldwide, with high SDI nations experiencing a 76.6% surge. Age-standardized rates (ASRs) of DALYs and deaths decreased across SDI countries, with high-middle SDI regions showing the steepest declines. Younger age groups, especially males, had a higher proportion of global DALYs in earlier years, but the burden shifted toward older populations over time, with this trend more pronounced in high-SDI countries. Age-period-cohort analysis revealed declining DALYs in younger ages but rising rates in older cohorts. By 2050, deaths and prevalence are projected to rise, disproportionately affecting females. Significant regional disparities in PAH burden persist, necessitating targeted policies, improved healthcare access, and early detection strategies, especially in underserved areas. Addressing these disparities is critical for mitigating PAH’ s global impact.