Global Trends in Ischemic Heart Disease-Related Mortality From 2000 to 2019

Ischemic heart disease (IHD) remains one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality across the globe, and disparities exist based on sex and geographic region.

This study investigates global trends in IHD mortality and examines disparities based on sex and geographic regions.

IHD mortality data from 105 countries were obtained from the World Health Organization Mortality Database. Crude mortality rates (CMRs) and age-standardized mortality rates (ASMRs) per 100,000 individuals were calculated, with average annual percentage change (AAPC) analyzed using joinpoint regression. Regional and sex-specific trends were assessed using stratified analyses of CMR and ASMR.

Globally, CMR declined from 138 per 100,000 (95% CI: 131-145) in 2000 to 106 per 100,000 (95% CI: 102-114) in 2019 (AAPC: -1.79, 95% CI: -1.93 to -1.66). Similarly, ASMR declined from 104 per 100,000 (95% CI: 99-108) to 65.5 (95% CI: 62-69) in 2019 per 100,000 (AAPC: -2.16, 95% CI: -2.13 to -2.20). Regionally, CMRs decreased in Oceania, Europe, and North America, while they rose in Asia, Africa, and Central and South America. ASMRs declined worldwide except in Africa (AAPC: 1.33, 95% CI: 1.30-1.36). Males showed higher mortality than females, but both sexes demonstrated decreasing trends, with males having a steeper decline. In age groups across all regions, Africa showed an upward trend, while other regions demonstrated declines.

While global IHD mortality has declined from 2000 to 2019, disparities by geographic region and sex persist. Implementing targeted health awareness programs and collaborative global health efforts are crucial for addressing these inequalities.