Burden of cardiovascular disease among elderly: based on the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019

The burden of elderly cardiovascular disease (CVD) has received increasing attention with population ageing worldwide.

We reported on the global CVD burden in elderly individuals over 70, 1990-2019.

Based on the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019, elderly CVD burden data were analysed. Temporal burden trends were analysed with the joinpoint model. The slope index and concentration index were used to evaluate health inequality. From 1990 to 2019, the global elderly CVD incidence, prevalence, death, and disability-adjusted life year rates generally decreased. However, the current burden remains high. The rapid growth in burden in parts of sub-Saharan Africa and Asia is a cause for concern. Countries with a higher socio-demographic index (SDI) have generally seen a greater decrease in burden, while countries with a lower SDI have generally experienced increases or smaller declines in burden. Health inequality analysis confirmed that the burden was gradually concentrating towards countries with a low SDI. Among the different CVDs, ischaemic heart disease causes the greatest burden in elderly individuals. Most CVD burdens increase with age, but stroke and peripheral vascular disease show markedly different distributional characteristics. In addition, the burden of hypertensive heart disease shows an unusual shift towards high-SDI countries. High systolic blood pressure was consistently the leading risk factor for CVD among elderly individuals.

The burden of CVD in older people remains severe and generally tends to shift to lower-SDI countries. Policymakers need to take targeted measures to reduce its harm.