Peripheral Artery Disease Burden in Different Development Regions: Based on GBD 2021

Area of Science:

• Global Health
• Epidemiology
• Cardiovascular Disease

Background:

• Peripheral artery disease (PAD) represents a significant global health challenge with considerable regional variations.
• Accurate, up-to-date prevalence and burden estimates are crucial for effective prevention and management strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To estimate the prevalence, years of life lost (YLLs), years lived with disability (YLDs), and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) of PAD.
• To analyze temporal trends and risk factor contributions to PAD burden across High-income North America (HINA), the Caribbean, and Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) from 1990 to 2021.

Main Methods:

• Utilized Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 data for PAD burden estimation.
• Analyzed outcomes including prevalence, YLLs, YLDs, and DALYs, stratified by sex, age, and socio-demographic index (SDI).
• Assessed temporal trends and attributable burden from key risk factors.

Main Results:

• PAD cases and DALYs increased significantly from 1990 to 2021, with the largest proportional increases in SSA.
• Age-standardized prevalence and DALY rates declined slightly in HINA, increased moderately in the Caribbean, and rose markedly in SSA.
• Risk factor profiles varied regionally, with tobacco and high fasting plasma glucose prominent in HINA and the Caribbean, while high systolic blood pressure and kidney dysfunction were more significant in SSA.

Conclusions:

• The global burden of PAD is increasing, with SSA exhibiting the least favorable age-standardized trends.
• Significant regional heterogeneity in PAD burden and risk factors necessitates tailored public health interventions.
• Findings underscore the need for enhanced early detection, risk factor modification, and long-term management, particularly in resource-limited settings.